They say that “when life gives you lemons, make lemonade,” but what if you don’t even know what type of lemon you have? What if you’re unsure if the lemons that you do have can even make lemonade? Thankfully, we’re here to put all of these questions to rest – and maybe help you enjoy some fresh lemonade.
So, if you’ve been curious about the whole Meyer lemon vs lemon debate, this article is here to help. Read on to learn more below.
What Is a Meyer Lemon?
First things first, it’s important to understand what a Meyer lemon is. While you may have thought there was only one type of lemon, lemon enthusiasts will be happy to hear that Meyer lemons are a new area of lemon to explore. These lemons are likely a cross between a mandarin orange and a normal lemon.
It should also be no surprise that these lemons were first brought to the United States by a man named Frank Meyer. While he didn’t invent these unique lemons, he’s the first one to bring them back from China, where the lemons likely come from.
Unlike your average lemon, Meyer lemons tend to be sweeter, darker in color, and sometimes harder to find. Meyer lemons are also smaller, rounder, and a little bit more like an orange in many ways.
Meyer Lemon vs Lemon Appearance
The first thing you’ll notice when comparing a Meyer lemon and a regular lemon is their appearance. Meyer lemons aren’t your average lemons, and you’ll notice they almost look more like an orange than your average lemon.
This is because Meyer lemons tend to be rounder than lemons, and their skin can be a deep yellow or a light orange. You’ll also notice that Meyer lemons don’t have a lot of pith when you compare them to regular lemons.
Meyer Lemon vs Lemon Flavor
When it comes to the flavor of the lemon, you’ll also notice a handful of key differences. First and foremost, eating a Meyer lemon is a lot more pleasant than getting blasted in the mouth with the sourness and tartness that traditional lemons have.
You’ll find that Meyer lemons have sweeter flavors in comparison. Sure, there’s still a hint of tang, but Meyer lemons tend to be more mellow and pleasant on the taste buds. What’s more, Meyer lemons can be useful as a replacement for lemons in many recipes, especially if you’re not a fan of the sourness that lemons usually have.
Meyer Lemon vs Lemon Availability
Another key difference between Meyer lemons and traditional lemons is their availability. If you walk into any grocery store in the United States, there’s a good chance that you’ll find a basket of lemons – or something similar. This is because traditional lemons are available all year long.
However, this isn’t the case for Meyer lemons. Unfortunately, they’re only available from the start of winter to the beginning of Spring. Therefore, you may want to find a suitable replacement if you enjoy that flavor during the warm summer and fall months.
Meyer Lemon vs Lemon Price
The cost is another difference between a Meyer lemon and a traditional lemon. Due to the limited availability of Meyer lemons, the cost is higher. Furthermore, Meyer lemon trees tend to be more expensive to ship as well. This is due to the fact that they have thinner skin than the average lemon.
The good news is that you can mitigate these higher costs by planting your own Meyer lemon tree! Trees are available through reputable suppliers like California Trees, and while you’ll have to pay for the tree, life will start giving you Meyer lemons a lot more often and without any added costs.
Understanding the Differences Between Meyer Lemon vs Lemon
Lemons are a popular fruit because they can add a little sourness to any dessert or meal. In fact, many people use them for cocktails and other types of fancy drinks. While lemons tend to be good when you add them to other things, what if you wanted to just enjoy a lemon?
If that sounds like something that interests you, and we can’t blame you, it may be time to try a Meyer lemon.
