Winter brings a special citrus treat: Meyer lemons. These lemons are a hybrid, a mix between a mandarin orange and a lemon. This gives them a unique flavor that’s both sweet and tart. Meyer lemons offer a twist on the traditional lemon taste. Let’s explore what makes Meyer lemon juice so special.
What is a Meyer Lemon?
Meyer lemons stand out from regular lemons in several ways. They’re smaller, juicier, and sweeter. Their flesh has a golden color, unlike the bright yellow of regular lemons. Meyer lemons also have a rounder shape.
These lemons were once grown as decorative plants in China. Frank Meyer, an employee of the U.S. Department of Agriculture, brought them to the United States. Meyer lemons have a thin skin, which made them difficult to ship. For many years, they were mostly found in California, Florida, and Texas.
Today, you can find Meyer lemons in many grocery stores. However, they can be more expensive because they need extra care during shipping. Meyer lemons are usually available from December to March.
Meyer Lemon Juice: A Flavorful Twist
Meyer lemons are less acidic than regular lemons. They have a tangerine-like flavor that’s sweet. The skin and flesh of Meyer lemons have a herbal scent. You can even eat the thin peels.
Nutrition in Meyer Lemons
Meyer lemons are not just tasty; they are also nutritious. They provide vitamin C, which is an antioxidant. Vitamin C helps reduce inflammation and boosts the immune system. Meyer lemons also contain potassium, calcium, and magnesium.
Here’s a quick look at the nutrition facts for one medium Meyer lemon (58g):
- Calories: 25
- Total Fat: 0g
- Saturated Fat: 0g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
- Sodium: 0mg
- Total Carbohydrate: 4g
- Dietary Fiber: 0g
- Total Sugars: 1g
- Protein: 1g
- Vitamin C: 15% of the Daily Value
How to Use Meyer Lemon Juice
Meyer lemon juice is versatile in the kitchen. Its sweet and slightly herbal flavor makes it great for many dishes.
Cooking and Baking
In cooking, Meyer lemon juice can add a special touch to both sweet and savory dishes.
- Salad Dressings: Mix Meyer lemon juice with olive oil and your favorite seasonings for a simple vinaigrette.
- Marinades: Use it as a base for marinades to add flavor to meats and vegetables.
- Desserts: Incorporate Meyer lemon juice into cookies, cakes, and tarts for a citrusy twist.
- Lemon Curd: Simmer Meyer lemon juice into lemon curd for a sweet treat.
Drinks
Meyer lemon juice is also a fantastic addition to drinks.
- Lemonade: Make a refreshing Meyer lemonade by mixing the juice with water and a sweetener.
- Cocktails: Add a splash of Meyer lemon juice to cocktails for a unique flavor.
- Non-Alcoholic Beverages: Use it to flavor sparkling water or other non-alcoholic drinks.
Preserving Meyer Lemons
If you have lots of Meyer lemons, preserving them is a great idea.
- Freezing: Zest and juice the lemons, then freeze them in ice cube trays.
- Limoncello: Infuse Meyer lemon zest into vodka to make limoncello.
- Preserved Lemons: Score and pack the lemons in salt to preserve them.
Meyer Lemon Recipes to Try
Here are a couple of simple recipes to get you started with Meyer lemon juice:
Meyer Lemon Vinaigrette
Ingredients:
- 1/4 cup Meyer lemon juice
- 3/4 cup olive oil
- 1 tablespoon honey
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
- In a bowl, whisk together Meyer lemon juice, olive oil, honey, and minced garlic.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Drizzle over your favorite salad.
Meyer Lemonade
Ingredients:
- 1 cup Meyer lemon juice
- 1 cup sugar
- 6 cups water
Instructions:
- In a saucepan, combine sugar and 1 cup of water.
- Heat until the sugar is dissolved, creating a simple syrup.
- In a pitcher, mix the simple syrup, Meyer lemon juice, and remaining 5 cups of water.
- Serve chilled.
Storing Meyer Lemons
To keep your Meyer lemons fresh, store them in the refrigerator. They can last up to a week in the crisper drawer or an airtight container. If you plan to juice them, bring them to room temperature first. You can also microwave them for 10-20 seconds to get more juice.
Conclusion
Meyer lemon juice offers a delightful twist to your favorite recipes. Its sweet, slightly herbal flavor is perfect for both cooking and drinks. Whether you’re making a salad dressing, baking a cake, or mixing a cocktail, Meyer lemon juice is a great choice. So next time you see Meyer lemons at the store, grab a few and start experimenting!