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| − | {{Taxobox | + | {{Plantbox |
| − | |color = lightgreen | + | | name = ''Citrus × limon'' |
| − | | name = Lemon | + | | common_names = Lemon |
| | + | | growth_habit = Tree |
| | + | | high = <!--- 3ft (1m) --> |
| | + | | wide = <!--- 20in (65cm) --> |
| | + | | origin = <!--- Mexico, S America, S Europe, garden, etc --> |
| | + | | poisonous = <!--- indicate parts of plants which are known/thought to be poisonous --> |
| | + | | lifespan = <!--- perennial, annual, etc --> |
| | + | | exposure = <!--- sun, part-sun, semi-shade, shade, indoors, bright filtered (you may list more than 1) --> |
| | + | | water = <!--- frequent, regular, drought tolerant, let dry then soak --> |
| | + | | features = <!--- flowers, fragrance, naturalizes, invasive --> |
| | + | | hardiness = <!--- frost sensitive, hardy, 40F (5C), etc --> |
| | + | | bloom = <!--- seasons which the plant blooms, if it is grown for it's flowers --> |
| | + | | usda_zones = <!--- eg. 8-11 --> |
| | + | | sunset_zones = <!--- eg. 8, 9, 12-24, not available --> |
| | + | | color = IndianRed |
| | | image = Koeh-041.jpg | | | image = Koeh-041.jpg |
| | | image_width = 250px | | | image_width = 250px |
| | | image_caption = ''Citrus'' x ''limon'' | | | image_caption = ''Citrus'' x ''limon'' |
| − | | regnum = [[Plant]]ae | + | | regnum = Plantae |
| − | | divisio = [[Flowering plant|Magnoliophyta]] | + | | divisio = Magnoliophyta |
| − | | classis = [[Dicotyledon|Magnoliopsida]] | + | | classis = Magnoliopsida |
| − | | subclassis = [[Rosidae]]'' | + | | subclassis = Rosidae |
| − | | species = '''''C. ''×'' limon''''' | + | | species = Citrus × limon |
| − | | binomial = ''Citrus ''×'' limon''
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| − | | binomial_authority = ([[Carolus Linnaeus|L.]]) Burm.f.
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| | }} | | }} |
| − | The '''lemon''' (''Citrus × limon'') is a [[hybrid]] [[citrus]] [[tree]] of cultivated origin. The [[fruit]] are used primarily for their [[juice]], though the [[pulp]] and [[peel (fruit)|rind]] ([[zest (ingredient)|zest]]) are also used, primarily in [[cooking]] or mixing. Lemon juice is about 5% [[citric acid]], which gives lemons a [[Basic taste#Sourness|sour]] taste and a [[pH]] of 2 to 3. This [[acid]]ity makes lemon juice a cheap, readily available acid for use in educational [[chemistry]] experiments. | + | The '''lemon''' (''Citrus × limon'') is a [[hybrid]] [[citrus]] [[tree]] of cultivated origin. Trees can reach 10 meters (33 feet), but usually are smaller. Branches are thorny, forming an open crown. Leaves are green, shiny and [[leaf shape|elliptical-acuminate]]. [[Flower]]s are white on the outside with a violet streaked interior and have a strong [[fragrance]]. Flowers and ripe fruits can be found on the tree at the same time. |
| − | | |
| − | ==Description==
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| − | [[Image:Citrus limon a.JPG|left|thumb|lemon tree]]
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| − | 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 [[leaf shape|elliptical-acuminate]]. [[Flower]]s 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.<ref> Paola Lanzara and Mariella Pizzetti '''Simon & Schuster's Guide to Trees''' pp. 44. A Fireside Book Published by Simon & Schuster, INC.</ref>
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| | Lemon fruit are ovoid with a pointed tip at the end. When ripe, they have a bright yellow skin, a layer of [[pith]] underneath and a paler yellow segmented interior. Small [[seed]]s commonly known as 'pips' are found within the fruit. | | Lemon fruit are ovoid with a pointed tip at the end. When ripe, they have a bright yellow skin, a layer of [[pith]] underneath and a paler yellow segmented interior. Small [[seed]]s commonly known as 'pips' are found within the fruit. |
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| − | ==History== | + | ==Cultivation== |
| − | [[Image:William-Adolphe Bouguereau (1825-1905) - Girl Holding Lemons (1899).jpg|thumb|right|[[William-Adolphe Bouguereau]] ''Girl Holding Lemons'']]
| + | {{monthbox |
| − | The lemon is a cultivated hybrid deriving from wild species such as the [[citron]] and [[Mandarin orange|mandarin]]. When and where this first occurred is not known. The citron – apparently the fruit described in [[Pliny's Natural History]] (XII, vii.15) as the ''malum medicum'', the "medicinal fruit" – seems to have been the first citrus fruit known in the Mediterranean world. Depictions of citrus trees appear in [[Roman Empire|Roman]] [[mosaic]]s of [[North Africa]], but the first unequivocal description of the lemon is found in the early 10th-century [[Arabic language|Arabic]] treatise on farming by [[Qustus al-Rumi]]. The use and cultivation of the lemon, by the Cantonese (Southern Barbarians) is noted in the early 12th century. At the end of the 12th century, Ibn Jami', personal physician to the Muslim leader [[Saladin]], wrote a treatise on the lemon, after which it is mentioned with greater frequency in the Mediterranean. However, it is believed that the first lemons were originally cultivated in the hot, semi-arid [[Deccan Plateau]] in [[Geography of India|Central India]].
| + | | color = IndianRed |
| − | | + | | name = NAME OF PLANT |
| − | The origin of the name ''"lemon"'' is through [[Persian language|Persian]] (لیمو ''Limu'' [pronounced with long e and short u]), akin to the [[Sanskrit]] ''nimbuka''. They were cultivated in [[Genoa]] in the mid-15th century, and appeared in the [[Azores]] in 1494. More recent research has identified lemons in the ruins of [[Pompeii]].<ref>Russell, Tony & Catherine Cutler (Hermes House 2004) Trees, an Illustrated Identifier and Encyclopedia Aness Publishing. </ref> Lemons were once used by the British [[Royal Navy]] to combat [[scurvy]], as they provided a large amount of [[Vitamin C]].
| + | | jan = |
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| − | ==In food preparation==
| + | | mar = |
| − | [[Image:Lemon-edit1.jpg|thumb|left|200px|Lemons]]{{nutritionalvalue | name=Lemon, raw, without peel | water=89 g | kJ=121 | protein=1.1 g | fat=0.3 g | carbs=9 g | fiber=2.8 g | sugars=2.5 g | vitC_mg=53 | opt1n=[[Citric acid]] | opt1v=5 g | right=1 }}
| + | | apr = |
| − | | + | | may = |
| − | Both lemons and [[lime (fruit)|limes]] are regularly served as [[lemonade]] or [[limeade]], its equivalent, or as a [[garnish (food)|garnish]] for drinks such as [[iced tea]] or a [[soft drink]], with a slice either inside or on the rim of the glass. Only lemons, however, are used in the Italian liqueur [[Limoncello]]. A wedge of lemon is also often used to add flavor to water. The average lemon contains approximately 3 tablespoons of juice. Lemons warmed to room temperature before squeezing (in a [[Microwave oven|microwave]] or by leaving on a counter) increases the amount of juice that can be extracted. Storing lemons at room temperature for long periods makes them more vulnerable to [[mold]].
| + | | jun = |
| − | | + | | jul = |
| − | Lemon juice is typically squeezed onto [[fish (food)|fish]] dishes; the acidic juice neutralizes the taste of [[amine]]s in fish by converting them to nonvolatile [[ammonium]] salts.
| + | | aug = |
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| − | In addition, lemon juice is widely used, along with other ingredients, when [[marination|marinating]] 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.
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| − | Some people like to eat lemons as fruit; however, water should be consumed afterwards to wash the citric acid and sugar from the teeth, which might otherwise promote [[dental caries|tooth decay]] and many other dental diseases. It can be used on its own or with oranges to make [[marmalade]].
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| − | | + | | notes = |
| − | Lemons also make a good short-term preservative, commonly used on sliced apples. This keeps the fruit crisp and white for about a day, preventing the unappetizing browning effect of oxidization. This helps to prolong the usage of the fruit.
| + | }} |
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| − | ==Chemistry and health==
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| − | [[Image:Limonene-2D-skeletal.png|thumb|right|80px|limonene]]
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| − | Lemons and other citrus fruits contain amounts of different [[chemical]]s and are thought to have some health benefits. They contain a [[terpene]] called [[limonene]] which gives their characteristic lemon smell and taste. Lemons contain significant amounts of [[citric acid]]; this is why they have a low pH and a sour taste. They also contain [[Vitamin C]] (Ascorbic acid) which is essential to human health. 100 [[litre|milliliter]]s of lemon juice contains approximately 50 [[gram|milligram]]s of Vitamin C (55% of the recommended daily value) and 5 [[gram]]s of citric acid.
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| − | Some sources state that lemons contain unique flavonoid compounds that have antioxidant and anti-[[cancer]] properties.<ref>*[http://www.whfoods.com/genpage.php?tname=foodspice&dbid=27 Healthiest foods]</ref> These may be able to deter cell growth in cancers. Limonins found in lemons could also be anti-[[carcinogen]]s.
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| − | Because of its high Vitamin C content, lemon has been touted in [[alternative medicine]] as a tonic for the [[gastrointestinal tract|digestive system]], [[immune system]], and [[skin]].{{Fact|date=February 2007}}
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| − | There is a belief in [[Ayurveda|Ayurvedic medicine]] that a cup of hot water with lemon juice in it tonifies and purifies the liver.
| + | ===Propagation=== |
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| − | ==Lemon battery== | + | ===Pests and diseases=== |
| − | :''Main article: [[Lemon battery]]''
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| − | A common school experiment involving lemons is to attach [[electrode]]s and use them as a [[battery (electricity)|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 [[potato]]es.
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| − | ==Lemon alternatives== | + | ==Species== |
| − | 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]].
| + | <!-- Usually in list format like this: --> |
| | + | <!-- *''[[Freesia alba]]'' --> |
| | + | <!-- *''[[Freesia laxa]]'' (syn. ''Anomatheca laxa'', ''Lapeirousia laxa'') --> |
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| − | Many other plants are noted to have a lemon-like taste or scent. Among them are
| + | ==Gallery== |
| − | [[Cymbopogon]] (lemon grass), [[Lemon balm]], [[Lemon thyme]], [[Lemon verbena]], Scented [[geranium]]s, certain cultivars of [[basil]], and certain cultivars of [[mint]].
| + | <!-- For plants with a lot of photos - a gallery can be added below, otherwise remove this section! --> |
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| − | ==In popular culture==
| + | <gallery> |
| − | *"[[The Lemon Song]]" by [[Led Zeppelin]]
| + | Image:Lemon-edit1.jpg|Lemons |
| − | *"[[Lemon (U2 song)|Lemon]]" by [[U2]]
| + | Image:William-Adolphe Bouguereau (1825-1905) - Girl Holding Lemons (1899).jpg|William-Adolphe Bouguereau ''Girl Holding Lemons'' |
| − | *"[[Life Is a Lemon and I Want My Money Back]]" by [[Meat Loaf]]
| + | Image:Citrus limon a.JPG|lemon tree |
| − | *"[[Lemon Tree (song)|Lemon Tree]]" by [[Peter, Paul, and Mary]]
| + | </gallery> |
| − | *"[[Lemon Tree (Fool's Garden song)|Lemon Tree]]" by [[Fool's Garden]]
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| − | *"[[When Life Gives you Lemons You Make Ice Tea]]" by [[Bob Man]]
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| | ==See also== | | ==See also== |
| − | *[[Cymbopogon]], commonly known as lemon grass.
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| | *[[Orange (fruit)]], a related citrus tree and fruit. | | *[[Orange (fruit)]], a related citrus tree and fruit. |
| | *[[Lime (fruit)]], multiple citruses with green to yellow fruit. | | *[[Lime (fruit)]], multiple citruses with green to yellow fruit. |
| − | *[[Extract]], technique of extraction and chemicals in lemon oil.
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| − | == References == | + | ==References== |
| − | <div class="references-small"> | + | *{{wplink}} |
| − | <references /> | + | <!--- xxxxx *Flora: The Gardener's Bible, by Sean Hogan. Global Book Publishing, 2003. ISBN 0881926248 --> |
| − | </div>
| + | <!--- xxxxx *American Horticultural Society: A-Z Encyclopedia of Garden Plants, by Christopher Brickell, Judith D. Zuk. 1996. ISBN 0789419432 --> |
| − | *[http://www.gardenguides.com/plants/info/herbs/lemonherbs.asp Lemon Herbs] | + | <!--- xxxxx *Sunset National Garden Book. Sunset Books, Inc., 1997. ISBN 0376038608 --> |
| − | *[http://www.whfoods.com/genpage.php?tname=foodspice&dbid=27 Lemon heath benefits] | |
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| | ==External links== | | ==External links== |
| − | {{Commons|Citrus limon}}
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| − | *[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)
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| − | *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
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| − | [[Category:Citrus]]
| + | {{stub}} |
| − | [[Category:Tropical agriculture]]
| + | [[Category:Categorize]] |
| − | [[Category:Arabic words and phrases]]
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| − | [[Category:Fruit]] | |
_-_Girl_Holding_Lemons_(1899).jpg)
