Lemon 38437 226174960 2008-07-17T04:20:41Z Peter cohen 4183688 /* History */ rvv {{otheruses4|the fruit|other uses|Lemon (disambiguation)}} {{Taxobox | name = Lemon | image = Koeh-041.jpg | image_width = 200px | image_caption = ''Citrus'' x ''lemon'' | regnum = [[Plant]]ae | divisio = [[Flowering plant|Magnoliophyta]] | classis = [[Dicotyledon|Magnoliopsida]] | subclassis = [[Rosidae]]'' | ordo = [[Sapindales]] | familia = [[Rutaceae]] | genus = ''[[Citrus]]'' | species = '''''C. ''×'' limon''''' | binomial = ''Citrus ''×'' limon'' | binomial_authority = ([[Carolus Linnaeus|L.]]) Burm.f. }} The '''lemon''' (''Citrus × limon'') is a [[hybrid (biology)|hybrid]] in cultivated wild plants. It is the common name for the reproductive tissue surrounding the seed of the [[angiosperm]] lemon tree. The lemon is used for culinary and nonculinary purposes throughout the world. The [[fruit]] is used primarily for its [[juice]], though the pulp and [[peel (fruit)|rind]] ([[zest (ingredient)|zest]]) are also used, primarily in [[cooking]] and [[baking]]. Lemon juice is about 5% (approximately 0.03 moles/Liter) [[citric acid]], which gives lemons a tart taste, and a [[pH]] of 2 to 3. This makes lemon juice an inexpensive, readily available [[acid]] for use in educational science experiments. ==History== [[Image:Lemon.jpg|left|thumb|Two lemons, one whole and one [[Cutting|sliced ]] in half]] The exact origin of the lemon has remained a mystery, though it is widely presumed that lemons are wildly grown in both [[India]] and [[China]].<ref name="Lemonade">Wright, A. Clifford. [http://www.cliffordawright.com/history/lemonade.html History of Lemonade], CliffordAWright.com</ref><ref name="lemon">[http://www.limmi.it/content/view/78/156/lang,en/ The origins], limmi.it.</ref> In South and South East Asia, it was known for its antiseptic properties and it was used as antidote for various poisons. The lemon was later introduced to [[Iraq]] and [[Egypt]] around 700 A.D. The popular drink [[lemonade]] may have originated in [[medieval]] [[Egypt]].<ref name="Lemonade"/> It was distributed widely throughout the Arab world and the [[Mediterranean region]] between 1000 A.D. to 1150 A.D. At this time, the lemon was first recorded in literatures to a tenth century [[Arabic]] treatise on farming and was used as an ornamental plant in early Islamic gardens.<ref name="Lemonade"/><ref name="lemon"/> [[Image:Citrus x limon flowers.jpg|left|thumb|''Citrus x limon'' flowers.]] [[Image:MoroccanlemonS.jpg|thumb|right|Pickled lemons, a Moroccan delicacy]] Lemons entered Europe (near southern Italy) no later than the first century AD, during the time of Ancient Rome. However, they were not widely cultivated. The first real lemon cultivation in Europe began in [[Genoa]] in the middle of the fifteenth century.<ref name="lemon"/> It was later introduced to the [[Americas]] in [[1493]] when [[Christopher Columbus]] brought lemon seeds to Hispaniola along his voyages. Spanish conquest throughout the New World helped spread lemon seeds. It was mainly used as ornament and medicine.<ref name="lemon"/> In 1700s and late 1800s, lemons were increasingly planted in [[Florida]] and [[California]] when lemons began to be used in cooking and flavoring.<ref>Morton, J. 1987. Lemon. p. 160–168. ''Fruits of warm climates''. (Julia F. Morton, Miami, FL.) @ [http://www.hort.purdue.edu/newcrop/morton/lemon.html#Description Purdue University]</ref> In 1747, [[James Lind]]'s experiments on seamen suffering from [[scurvy]] involved adding Vitamin C to their diets through lemon juice. <ref>[http://www.kcl.ac.uk/depsta/iss/library/speccoll/exhibitions/skilsail/scurv.html Case 3: Naval Medicine: The Fight Against Scurvy] @ King's College at London. Information on this site is based from: James Lind. A treatise on the scurvy. Second edition. London: printed for A. Millar, 1757. <nowiki>[St. Thomas's Historical Collection 28.b.9]</nowiki>.</ref> The name ''lemon'' was originated from [[Arabic language|Arabic]] ''līmūn'' لیمون and Persian ''limun'' through Old Italian and Old French ''limone''.<ref> [http://www.bartleby.com/61/55/L0115500.html The American Heritage Dictionary of the English Language: Fourth Edition. Entry for ''Lemon'']</ref><ref>[http://food.oregonstate.edu/faq/janfaq/lemon2.html History of Lemon], Food Resource @ Oregon State University.</ref><ref>[http://www.m-w.com/dictionary/lemon Merriam-Webster Online Dictionary. Entry for ''Lemon'']</ref>. ==Culinary uses== [[Image:Marmalade spread on bread.jpg|thumb|right|245px|Lemon marmalade on a slice of bread]] Lemons are used to make [[lemonade]], and as a [[garnish (food)|garnish]] for drinks. Many [[mixed drinks]], [[soft drinks]], [[Iced tea]], and water are often served with a wedge or slice of lemon in the glass or on the rim. The average lemon contains approximately 3 tablespoons of juice. Allowing lemons to come to room temperature before squeezing (or heating briefly in a [[Microwave oven|microwave]]) makes the juice easier to extract. Lemons left unrefrigerated for long periods of time are susceptible to [[mold]]. Fish are marinated in lemon juice to neutralize the odor. The acid neutralizes the [[amine]]s in fish by converting them into nonvolatile [[ammonium]] salts. Lemon juice, alone or in combination with other ingredients, is used to marinate meat before cooking: the acid provided by the juice partially [[hydrolysis|hydrolyzes]] the tough collagen fibers in the meat ([[tenderizing]] the meat), though the juice does not have any [[antibiotic]] effects. Lemons, alone or with [[Orange (fruit)|oranges]], are used to make [[marmalade]]. The grated rind of the lemon, called lemon zest, is used to add flavor to baked goods, puddings, rice and other dishes. [[Preserved Lemon|Pickled lemons]] are a [[Moroccan cuisine|Moroccan]] delicacy. A liqueur called [[limoncello]] is made from lemon rind. When lemon juice is sprinkled on certain foods that tend to oxidize and turn brown after being sliced, such as apples, bananas and avocados, the acid acts as a short-term preservative by denaturing the enzymes that cause browning and degradation. ==Non-culinary uses== [[Image:Lemon Orchard in the Galilee by David Shankbone.jpg|right|thumb|210px|A lemon [[orchard]] in the [[Galilee]] of [[Israel]].]] * [[Citric acid]] - Lemons were the primary commercial source of this substance prior to the development of [[fermentation]]-based processes. * [[Lemon battery]] - A popular science experiment in schools involves attaching [[electrode|electrodes]] to a lemon and using it as a [[battery (electricity)|battery]] to power a light. The electricity generated in this way can also power a small motor. These experiments also work with other fruits and vegetables. * Sanitary kitchen deodorizer - deodorize, remove grease, bleach stain, and disinfect; when mixed with baking soda, lemon can remove stains from plastic food storage containers.<ref>[http://shine.yahoo.com/channel/home/6-ingredients-for-a-green-clean-home-155345/ 6 ingredients for a green, clean home], Shine. Retrieved on April 24, 2008.</ref> * Lemon hair lightener - Lemon juice applied to the [[hair]] can work as a natural hair lightener.{{Fact|date=April 2008}} * Insecticide - The [[d-limonene|''d''-limonene]] in lemon oil is used as a non-toxic insecticide treatment. See [[orange oil]]. * Acne Treatment - Applying lemon juice to facial blemishes is a popular form of treating acne.{{Fact|date=April 2008}} * When lemon juice is mixed with Sun In it is said to lighten the hair or to enhance highlights. [[melanin]] production.{{Fact|date=December 2007}} The effectiveness, however, is largely a subject of debate. * Lemon skins eaten daily have been shown to greatly increase the muscle recovery and anti-catabolic cycles for increased muscle development. Research has shown that 8 oz. of lemon peels is the recommend maximum daily dosage.{{Fact|date=April 2008}} * Lemon is used in facial masks for refreshing the skin.{{Fact|date=April 2008}} * Wood treatment - lemon oil is often used on the unsealed rosewood fingerboards of guitars and other stringed instruments. It should not be used on maple fingerboards, as these are generally sealed and the oil would just stay on the surface.{{Fact|date=April 2008}} * Lemon juice is often used to clean the inside of animal skins prior to taxidermy.{{Fact|date=April 2008}} * Natural deodorants are generally made from lemon extracts. Raw lemon can be used as a short term deodorant.{{Fact|date=April 2008}} * [[Aromatherapy]] - Researchers at Ohio State University reveals that lemon oil aroma may enhance your mood, and relax you.{{Fact|date=April 2008}}<ref>[http://researchnews.osu.edu/archive/aromathe.htm 9 Ohio State University Research, March 3, 2008] Study is published in the March 2008 issue of the journal Psychoneuroendocrinology</ref> ==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.<ref>[http://www.teachers.ash.org.au/bushtucker/lemon_myrtle.html Lemon Myrtle]</ref> 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]]. [[Lime fruit|Limes]] are often used instead of lemons. 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 [[geranium]]s, certain cultivars of [[basil]], and certain cultivars of [[mentha|mint]]. [[Image:2005lemon and lime.PNG|thumb|450px|center|Lemon and [[lime (fruit)|lime]] output in 2005]] == References == <div class="references-small"> <references /> </div> ==External links== {{Commonscat|Citrus limon}} *[http://www.hort.purdue.edu/newcrop/morton/lemon.html (Purdue University)] Morton, Julia F. 1987. "Lemon". pp. 160–168, in ''Fruits of warm climates''. (Julia F. Morton, Miami) *[http://davesgarden.com/pf/go/49905/ PlantFiles: Citrus x meyeri 'Meyer'] * [http://www.citrustreesonline.com/lemon-trees.asp Bring Home a Lemon Tree] [[Category:Citrus]] [[Category:Tropical agriculture]] [[Category:Arabic words and phrases]] [[Category:False friends]] {{Link FA|hr}} {{link FA|sl}} [[ar:ليمون]] [[ast:Citrus limon]] [[zh-min-nan:Lê-bóng]] [[bs:Limun]] [[bg:Лимон]] [[ca:Llimona]] [[cs:Citron]] [[cy:Lemon]] [[da:Citron]] [[de:Zitrone]] [[et:Harilik sidrunipuu]] [[es:Citrus x limon]] [[eo:Citrono]] [[fa:لیمو ترش]] [[fr:Citron]] [[gl:Limón]] [[ko:레몬]] [[hr:Limun]] [[id:Lemon]] [[is:Sítróna]] [[it:Citrus × limon]] [[he:לימון]] [[sw:limau]] [[la:Citrus]] [[lt:Tikrasis citrinmedis]] [[ln:Ndímo]] [[hu:Citrom]] [[mk:Лимон]] [[nl:Citroen (vrucht)]] [[ja:レモン]] [[jv:Lémon]] [[no:Sitron]] [[nn:Sitron]] [[pl:Cytryna zwyczajna]] [[pt:Limão]] [[qu:Puquy k'allku]] [[ro:Lămâie]] [[ru:Лимон]] [[sq:limoni]] [[simple:Lemon]] [[sl:limona]] [[sr:Limun]] [[fi:Sitruuna]] [[sv:Citron]] [[th:เลมอน]] [[to:lemani]] [[tr:limon (ağaç)]] [[uk:Лимон]] [[zh-yue:檸檬]] [[zh:柠檬]]