The lemon is a species of small evergreen trees in the flowering plant family Rutaceae, native to Asia, primarily Northeast India, Northern Myanmar or China. The tree's ellipsoidal yellow fruit is used for culinary and non-culinary purposes throughout the world, primarily for its juice, which has both culinary and cleaning uses. The pulp and rind are also used in cooking and baking.
The juice of the lemon is about 5% to 6% citric acid, with a pH of around 2.2, giving it a sour taste. The distinctive sour taste of lemon juice makes it a key ingredient in drinks and foods such as lemonade and lemon meringue pie.
Love the idea of growing your own lemon trees (Citrus limon, USDA hardiness zones 9 through 11) from seeds? If you’re willing to wait five years or more for your first harvest, the seeds from one lemon will germinate into an orchard of trees. Just supply them with the right soil, suitable containers, consistent moisture and fertilizer plenty of light. We explain the germination basics here.