When life gives you lemons...
Lemon is probably one of the most popular flavors in the world. This tangy citrus fruit has been used in a variety of delicious dishes, from moist lemon cake to refreshing lemon sorbet. Not to mention, it's the main ingredient in this lemon bar recipe! And yet, the path it took to our table is still a bit unclear.
Experts believe that the first citrus fruits grew in the regions of Assam, Myanmar, and the Yunnan province of China (1), from where they spread through Southeast Asia to Australia and then to the rest of the world.
Research suggests that modern lemons are a hybrid of sour oranges and citrons.(2) They are thought to have arrived in Europe via southern Italy around 200 AD, although they may have looked slightly different than the ones we use in our lemon bar recipes today. Christopher Columbus brought the fruit to the Americas in 1493.
People valued lemons not only for their taste, but also for their appearance, scent, and medicinal properties. In ancient Rome, the fruit was a precious status symbol for the elite because it was rare. Hundreds of years later, the British Royal Navy began distributing lemon juice to its sailors to prevent and treat scurvy (3).
Today, farmers grow several varieties of lemons all over the world, from Spain to California. The refreshing taste, impressive health benefits, and easy availability of these fruits have made them a staple in kitchens and restaurants around the world. Lemons can also be used in aromatherapy to boost your mood or in skin care products to improve your complexion. All of this means that you can do a lot more with lemons than just make lemonade!