Lemon
Copyrght Egon Krogsgaard
Lemon (Citrus limon) is not an original species, but a hybrid that arose from crosses between pomelo (Citrus maxima), citron (Citrus medica) and mandarin (Citrus reticulata).
Lemon is an ancient cultivated plant. It was grown in ancient India and China because the fruits were healthy and could stay fresh for a long time.
In the medieval monastery gardens of Southern Europe, the lemon was further refined. Monks selected trees with large, juicy fruits, a strong fragrance and a high content of essential oils.
It was discovered that, due to its high content of vitamin C, the lemon was an important medicinal plant against scurvy. This discovery made the lemon an economically significant crop and led to the establishment of large citrus plantations in the Mediterranean region and later also in the Americas.
Today, the lemon is used in cooking, for preservation, and for the production of citric acid.
Lemon juice has an antioxidant effect. This is why it is often poured over other fruit to prevent it from oxidizing and turning brown.
Facts:
- Greenhouse location: Mountain Forest House
- Danish navn: Citron
- Latin name: Citrus limon
- Family: Rue family
- Natural habitat: Asia