When life gives you lemons...
Lemon is arguably one of the most popular flavors in the world. From moist lemon cake to refreshing lemon sorbet, this tangy citrus fruit appears in all sorts of delicious dishes. Not to mention, it's the star of this lemon bars recipe! Yet, the path it took to reach our table is still somewhat obscure.
Experts believe that the earliest citrus trees grew in the regions of Assam, Myanmar, and Yunnan Province in China.(1) From there, they spread through Southeast Asia to Australia and on to the rest of the world.
Research indicates that modern lemons are a hybrid of the sour orange and the citron.(2) They are believed to have reached Europe via southern Italy around 200 AD, although they may have looked slightly different from the ones we use today in our lemon bar recipe. Christopher Columbus then introduced the fruit to the Americas in 1493.
People valued lemons not only for their taste, but also for their appearance, aroma, and medicinal properties. In ancient Rome, the fruit was an expensive status symbol for the elite due to its rarity. Centuries later, the British Royal Navy began distributing lemon juice to its sailors to prevent and treat scurvy.(3)
Today, farmers cultivate several varieties of lemons worldwide, from Spain to California. The fruit's refreshing flavor, impressive health benefits, and easy availability have made it a staple in kitchens and restaurants worldwide. Furthermore, lemons can be used in aromatherapy to boost mood or in skincare to brighten the complexion. All of this means that lemons can be used for much more than just lemonade!