When life gives you lemons...
Lemon is one of the most popular flavors in the world. From moist lemon cake to refreshing lemon sorbet, this tangy citrus fruit is used in a variety of delicious dishes. Not to mention, it's the highlight of this lemon bar recipe! And yet, the path it took to reach our tables is still a bit unclear.
Experts believe that the first citrus trees grew in regions of Assam, Myanmar, and the Yunnan province of China (1). From there, they spread through Southeast Asia to Australia and then around the world.
Research suggests that modern lemons are a hybrid of a sour orange and a citron tree.(2) They are thought to have arrived in Europe via southern Italy around 200 AD, although they may have looked a little different from the ones we use in our lemon bar recipes today. Christopher Columbus brought the fruit to the Americas in 1493.
People valued lemons not only for their taste, but also for their appearance, scent, and medicinal properties. In ancient Rome, the fruit was a prized symbol of elite status due to its rarity. A few hundred years later, the British Royal Navy began distributing lemon juice to its sailors to prevent and treat scurvy (3).
Today, farmers grow several varieties of lemons all over the world, from Spain to California. Their refreshing flavor, impressive health benefits, and easy availability have made this fruit a staple in kitchens and restaurants around the world. You can also use lemons in aromatherapy to lift your mood or in skin care products to brighten your complexion. All of which means you can do a lot more with lemons than just make lemonade!