Lemon
- This article is about the fruit. For other uses, see Lemon (disambiguation)
| Lemon | |
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| Citrus x limon | |
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| Species: | C. × limon
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| Binomial name | |
| Citrus × limon (L.) Burm.f.
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The lemon (Citrus × limon) is a hybrid in cultivated wild plants. It is the common name for the reproductive tissue surrounding the seed of the angiosperm lemon tree. The fruit are used primarily for their juice, though the pulp and rind (zest) are also used, primarily in cooking and baking. Lemon juice is about 5% acid, which gives lemons a sour taste and a pH of 2 to 3. This makes lemon juice a cheap, readily available acid for use in educational science experiments.
Description
A lemon tree can grow up to 10 meters (33 feet), but they are usually smaller. The branches are thorny, and form an open crown. The leaves are green, shiny and elliptical-acuminate. Flowers are white on the outside with a violet streaked interior and have a strong fragrance. On a lemon tree, flowers and ripe fruits can be found at the same time.Cite error: A <ref> tag is missing the closing </ref> (see the help page). These may be able to deter cell growth in cancers. Limonins found in lemons could also be anti-carcinogens.
Because of its high Vitamin C content, lemon has been touted in alternative medicine as a tonic for the digestive system, immune system, and skin.[citation needed]
There is a belief in Ayurvedic medicine that a cup of hot water with lemon juice in it tonifies and purifies the liver.
In a Japanese study into the effects of aromatherapy, lemon essential oil in vapour form has been found to reduce stress in mice.[1]
Lemon battery
- Main article: Lemon battery
A common school experiment involving lemons is to attach electrodes and use them as a battery to power a light. The electricity generated may also be used to power a motor to move the lemons (on wheels) like a car or truck. These experiments also work with other fruit like apples and with potatoes.
Lemon alternatives
Several other plants have a similar taste to lemons. In recent times, the Australian bush food Lemon myrtle has become a popular alternative to lemons.[2] The crushed and dried leaves and edible essential oils have a strong, sweet lemon taste, but contain no citric acid. Lemon myrtle is popular in foods that curdle with lemon juice, such as cheesecake and ice cream.
Many other plants are noted to have a lemon-like taste or scent. Among them are Cymbopogon (lemon grass), Lemon balm, Lemon thyme, Lemon verbena, Scented geraniums, certain cultivars of basil, and certain cultivars of mint.
Production trends
According to FAO, Mexico produced almost 12% of the global output of lemons and limes in 2005 followed by India, Argentina, Iran and Brazil.
References
- ^ "Lemon oil vapor causes an anti-stress effect via modulating the 5-HT and DA activities in mice". PubMed.gov. 2006-06-15. Retrieved 2007-04-26.
{{cite web}}: Unknown parameter|coauthors=ignored (|author=suggested) (help) - ^ *Lemon Myrtle
- Lemon Herbs
- Lemon heath benefits
- Andrew M. Watson, 1983. Agricultural Innovation in the Early Islamic World: The Diffusion of Crops and Farming Techniques, 700-1100. (Cambridge: Cambridge University Press) pp 42-50
External links
- (Purdue University) Morton, Julia F. 1987. "Lemon". pp. 160–168, in Fruits of warm climates. (Julia F. Morton, Miami)
- PlantFiles: Citrus x meyeri 'Meyer'