Unraveling the History of Lemons
Lemons resemble berries to a great extent. Its dimensions are about 7.6 X 5 centimeters, or 3 X 2 inches. On the inside, it is divided into various segments. Its yellow rind provides us with spicy oil. Both lemon rind and juice are used to add flavor to several food products. Apart from the refreshing lemonade, you can also prepare salads, cookies, cakes, and many meat and fish dishes with the help of lemons. Not to forget, with its cleansing properties and refreshing scent, it has become an important part of our everyday life. However, have you ever wondered about the history of lemons?
I’m quite sure that not many of you know about it as well as most of the common lemon-related topics. But you need not remain oblivious of the origins of lemons anymore as this article will enlighten you about it all as you read further.
Though the origin of lemons is a mystery, most people believe that they originated in India, followed by China and northern Burma. The popularity of the antiseptic properties of lemon was common in southeastern and southern Asia even at that time. It was usually used as an effective antidote to counterattack the effect of several poisons. Later, lemons were introduced in Persia and the next few places where their worth was appreciated after Persia were Egypt and Iraq around 700 AD.
The first time lemons came to be recorded into literature was in the 10th century Arabic farming treatise. At this time, lemon trees have also been initiated to be used in the ancient Islamic gardens as a nice ornamental plant. Further, lemons were distributed extensively into the Mediterranean region and the Arab world from AD 1000 to AD 1150.
Lemons gained entry into Europe around the 1st century AD, though they were not cultivated extensively. The first European lemon cultivation took place in Genoa around the middle of the 15th century. Later, Americans savored the benefits of lemons in 1943 as lemon seeds were taken to Hispaniola by Christopher Columbus during his voyages.
Spanish conquest all over the world also played a crucial role in spreading the word about lemon seeds. Normally they were employed as medicine and ornaments. In the 1700s through the later part of 1800s, lemon plantations appeared in elevated numbers throughout California and Florida as lemons started to become an important item for flavoring in cooking.
That is how it all began and at present, lemons are grown all over the world. Italy is the world leader in the production of lemons. Lemon trees usually grow up to the height of seven meters (approximately 23 feet) and have long leaves. Most lemon tree varieties are thorny and produce fragrant white flowers all year long. As the flower blooms, it takes around seven months for fruit to ripen. Frost can damage these trees severely, so they should be protected from freezing temperatures whenever possible or grown in warmer climates that are not prone to experiencing frost.
This was the history of lemons that has finally brought you the beneficial lemon fruit.