I have 11 lemons total, 9 of which are losing their last bit of green. I'm expecting that they will all ripen sometime this month. Meyer lemons are supposed to be bright yellow with a slight orange tint to them when fully ripe. It is believed that they originated in China and are actually a cross between a lemon variety and a mandarin orange. I've never tasted them before and am very excited to get my first chance! I'm thinking marmalade, and hopefully LOTS of it, unless someone has other ideas.
If you'd like more information on how I care for my tree, click here.
If you'd like more information on how I care for my tree, click here.
Ooooh...fresh lemons, and the aroma of lemon blossoms. Two of my favorite things. A dear friend lives in Hollywood, and I have fond memories of evenings on his patio, next to the full grown Meyer lemon tree, while listening to music from nearby Hollywood Bowl! I loved that tree, and took a large bag of lemons to the airport with me, where they were promptly consfiscated. I had taken some through LAX on an earlier flight with no problems. I think someone at Orange County airport just wanted a fresh lemon meringue pie! That being said, I have managed to kill three little lemon trees at my Arizona residence :-(
ReplyDeleteHow small tree and already so many fruits on it! This is so amazing...
ReplyDeleteI cant grow lemons in my garden, as we get very cold winters (we are having our first snow, just as Im writing this!). And tree in house is just not an option for me. But I would surely love to have a lemon tree.
Please let us know the taste of this lemon/orange variety.
I'd love to see if your lemon tree works with just four hours of light. I have a lot of windows in the house, but most of them are in shade during the summer. I have just one window that provides direct sun and it faces south west. I've always wondered if it would be enough sun.
ReplyDeleteGran - I can't believe they took away your lemons! I know we have to have tight security these days but that's just plain stupid. I love how you can walk around the LA area/orange county and see bananas, citrus and avocado trees. It makes me wonder why more people don't grow fruit trees here on the East coast.
ReplyDeletevrtlarica- I was surprised by how quickly my little tree started to fruit...about nine months after I got it. Mind you, it's taken 10 months for them to reach this size. Waiting for citrus to ripen is definitely a lesson on patience.
Daphne - I hope it survives this winter too. They are supposed to be particularly good for indoor growing. The moment the low nightly temperatures get into the mid to high 40s, I leave my tree outside. Meyer Lemon trees can be left unprotected down to 32 degrees but I'd rather take it in then risk stressing it.
Hi Thomas - I just stumbled upon your blog today and am inspired by your beautiful garden!
ReplyDeleteI purchased my first meyer lemon tree earlier this year (it is now about 3 years old). After a good round of hand pollination, I ended up with almost 30 baby lemons last May.. Fast forward to today - there are about 12 left (I have no idea where the others went - as far as I know, squirrels don't like lemons!) and they are ALMOST ripe. You are right in that waiting for citrus to ripen is most definitely a lesson in patience - my husband wanted to throw out the tree months ago! I have cooked with meyers quite a bit and really enjoy 2 recipes from www.smittenkitchen.com - the Shaker Lemon Pie and the Meyer Lemon and Cranberry Scones. Either would be a worthwhile use for your lemons, if you don't opt for marmalade. I'm hoping to make a meyer lemon curd with my ripening babies - and hopefully I can encourage a second crop before too long. I really like these lemons, but hate the fact that I can only purchase them at Whole Foods, and at a ridiculous price..
Anonymous- thanks for sharing! I was thinking about making a shaker lemon pie myself! I started out with many more lemons as well but the tree natyrally shaded all but the largest fruit in each branch. Plus I lost a couple to toddler hands. Let me know how your recipes turn out!
ReplyDeleteBeautiful.
ReplyDeleteLemon curd?
Yes...beautiful.
ReplyDeleteI love Shaker Lemon Pie. My mom made it all the time....fond memories....
Thomas, beautiful blossom and I can smell the fragrance. You have inspired me once again... lemons! I may have to try one.
ReplyDeleteI wanted you to know I gave you an Honest Scrap Award on my blog, and would like to have you participate, if you have the time. I understand if you cannot. But blame James as he did it to me, so I'm playing it forward. ;)
Di - Ahh! The pressure! I will be traveling for the remainder of the week for work but hopefully, I will get around to doing this. Thanks for the thought!
ReplyDeleteI've never heard of a Meyer Lemon before. That tree is adorable. It looks really healthy which is great to see!
ReplyDeleteAerelonian - thanks! I have to admit that my tree has been pretty maintain free so far. It's amazing what the right kind of potting mix and fertilizer will do!
ReplyDeleteYour tree is gorgeous, I have always wanted one but worry about the sun issue myself.
ReplyDeleteYou certainly have some difficult decisions to make over what to do with those lemons!
The San Francisco Chronicle website has many recipes for Meyer lemons in its archive. They're such a reliable, easy producer in this area. Enjoy your beautiful lemons!
ReplyDelete