The Meyer lemon is a unique citrus fruit popular in gourmet cooking due to its distinctive flavor profile. It is not a true lemon, but a naturally occurring hybrid believed to be a cross between a traditional lemon and either a mandarin orange or a pomelo. Originally cultivated in China, the Meyer lemon was introduced to the United States in the early 20th century by agricultural explorer Frank N. Meyer. Its relative sweetness and lower acidity, compared to common commercial varieties, make it a favorite for fresh consumption and desserts.
Typical Size and Physical Dimensions
Meyer lemons are consistently medium-sized fruits, typically falling between the dimensions of a small lime and a large supermarket lemon. The average diameter of a mature Meyer lemon ranges from approximately 2 to 2.5 inches (5 to 6.3 centimeters), placing them on the smaller end of the lemon spectrum.
The fruit is noticeably rounder than traditional, oval-shaped true lemons, giving it a plump appearance rather than an oblong form. The skin is thin and smooth, often displaying a deep yellow color with a slight orange tint when fully ripe.
Factors Influencing Fruit Size
The final size of a Meyer lemon is influenced by horticultural practices and environmental conditions. Adequate water management is paramount, as a lack of consistent moisture during the summer growth phase can cause the tree to prematurely drop fruit or stunt development. Proper nutrient availability also plays a significant role, with nitrogen and potassium being the main drivers for increasing fruit size.
Growers often manage the tree’s crop load to encourage larger individual fruits. Techniques like pruning or thinning fruit clusters allow the remaining lemons to receive a greater share of the tree’s resources. Younger trees may naturally produce smaller fruits until they reach full maturity. Harvest timing also affects size; leaving the fruit on the tree longer allows it to continue sizing up, though this can decrease the desirable tartness and flavor complexity.
Size Comparison to Common Citrus
When placed next to the Eureka or Lisbon lemons commonly found in grocery stores, the Meyer lemon appears distinctly smaller. Eureka lemons often reach diameters of 2 to 3 inches, while Lisbon lemons can grow up to 4 inches across. A Meyer lemon is frequently one-third smaller than a standard large Eureka lemon.
The Meyer lemon’s compact size is similar to that of a large lime or a small tangerine. While a typical Key lime is only about 1.5 inches in diameter, the Meyer lemon visually bridges the gap between a lime and a small orange. This size is beneficial for home cooks, as the thinner skin makes the Meyer lemon easier to zest and slice for garnishes.