Pink lemons are a unique and visually striking variety of the common lemon. This specialty citrus fruit stands out due to a rare genetic quality that affects both its exterior and interior appearance. While they are not the source of the brightly colored commercial drink, they offer a distinct flavor profile and ornamental appeal, making them a favored ingredient among cooks and citrus enthusiasts.
The Variegated Pink Eureka Lemon
This unusual fruit is formally known as the Variegated Pink Eureka Lemon. It was first discovered as a spontaneous mutation growing on a standard Eureka lemon tree in Burbank, California, around 1930. The pink coloration of the fruit’s flesh is caused by the presence of lycopene, the same antioxidant pigment found in pink grapefruit and tomatoes. This pigment provides a natural explanation for the fruit’s unique color. The trees themselves are also visually distinctive, with leaves that exhibit a beautiful green and creamy-white variegation.
Distinctive Appearance and Flavor Profile
The exterior appearance of the pink lemon is most recognizable when the fruit is young. Immature fruit displays a rind with pronounced green and yellow-green stripes, which gives the fruit a variegated look. As the fruit matures, these stripes typically fade, and the rind settles into a more uniform yellow color, though it retains a slightly thinner texture than a standard lemon.
When sliced open, the interior reveals the signature light to deep rosy pink flesh, which often intensifies in color as the fruit fully ripens. This internal color resembles a pale pink grapefruit segment. Pink lemons are generally described as having a slightly less acidic and milder flavor than common Eureka or Lisbon lemons. They often carry subtle, pleasant undertones that some describe as floral or faintly berry-like, making the overall flavor more balanced and sweeter on the palate.
Culinary Applications and Market Availability
The unique appearance of the pink lemon makes it desirable for culinary uses where visual impact is a factor. Slices of the fruit are frequently used as garnishes for cocktails, infused water, and desserts, allowing the pink flesh and sometimes the striped rind to showcase their color. The zest is also highly fragrant and can be used in baking and cooking to add its signature aroma.
The juice, once extracted, tends to run clear or with only a very slight pink blush, not the vibrant color associated with commercial pink lemonade. Because the Variegated Pink Eureka is considered a specialty fruit, it is not as widely grown as standard lemons. Consumers are most likely to find them at farmers’ markets, specialty grocers, or high-end food stores, often with peak availability during the summer months.