If you’ve come across Meyer lemons in the grocery stores during the winter season, you might have questioned whether they can be used as a substitute for regular lemons. These distinct citrus fruits often catch the eye due to their rounder shape and orange hue. However, their dissimilarity in appearance is not the only characteristic that sets them apart. In this piece, we will guide you through the comprehensive details of using Meyer lemons, which includes helpful tips for finding substitutes and a collection of our favorite Meyer lemon recipes.
What Are Meyer Lemons?
Meyer lemons have an interesting origin, originating from Beijing, China, and making their way to the United States in the early 20th century. Credit for their introduction goes to Frank Meyer, an employee of the U.S. Department of Agriculture, who discovered the fruit and introduced it to the States. Over the years, they have become increasingly popular due to their distinct pale orange flesh, delightful sweetness, and floral undertones. As a result, Meyer lemons are now widely used in a variety of culinary delights, from cocktails to desserts.
How Do Meyer Lemons Differ From Regular Lemons?
Commonly found on grocery store shelves, lemons typically belong to three main varieties: Lisbon, Eureka, and Bearss. In contrast, Meyer lemons are believed to be a cross between a regular lemon and a mandarin orange, boasting several distinctive characteristics.
Size and Color: Meyer lemons are noticeably smaller than regular lemons, and their colors set them apart too. While regular lemons have thick yellow skin and medium yellow pulp, Meyer lemons showcase a range from deep yellow to orange hues. When cut open, their pulp appears in shades of dark yellow or pale orange. Additionally, Meyer lemons tend to be juicier compared to their counterparts.
Taste: One of the most remarkable distinctions of Meyer lemons lies in their delightful sweet, slightly floral taste. Unlike regular lemons, which are naturally acidic and carry a tangy, sour flavor with hints of natural sweetness, Meyer lemons lack that intense sour tang. This unique sweetness makes them perfect for use in sweet desserts or salads.
Seasonality: While regular lemons are available year-round, Meyer lemons have a more limited season. They are most abundant from December to May, making them a seasonal treat during those months.
Using Meyer Lemons as a Substitute
The question now arises whether these two types of lemons can be used interchangeably. The answer depends on the specific use in your recipe. When it comes to certain dishes, especially desserts, a Meyer lemon’s sweeter profile can be a better fit and provide superior results. However, if your recipe specifically requires the bold and acidic flavor of lemon juice or zest, using a Meyer lemon won’t yield the same taste. In such cases, it’s advisable to consider substituting lime juice or zest, or even a splash of vinegar, to achieve the desired tangy flavor.
For those instances when you need to replace Meyer lemon juice with regular lemon juice, you can create a suitable substitute by mixing equal parts of lemon and orange juices. Similarly, if your recipe calls for Meyer lemon zest, you can use an equal amount of regular lemon zest combined with mandarin, orange, or tangerine zest as a suitable alternative.
Where Are Meyer Lemons Available?
Meyer lemons have a limited season, typically available only from December to May. Due to their delicate nature and shipping challenges, they might not be widely available in regular grocery stores. However, you can often find Meyer lemons in specialty food stores or at grocery chains like Whole Foods, where they cater to a broader range of produce.
How to Store Meyer Lemons?
To prolong the freshness of Meyer lemons, store them in the crisper drawer of your refrigerator or place them in an airtight container. This storage method can extend their shelf life for up to one week. Conversely, if left on the counter at room temperature, Meyer lemons will have a shorter lifespan and may spoil more quickly. Therefore, refrigeration is the recommended way to keep them fresh for longer.