One of California’s most well-known and oft used citrus is the lemon, which is available in six different varieties in the Golden State. Along with being abundant, lemons are used frequently in cooking for their versatility, health benefits, color, taste and scent.

Culinary Versatility

Lemons are kitchen chameleons. Whether for adding a splash of freshness to savory dishes, marinades or salad dressings, lending a zesty kick to desserts or crafting tangy juices or cocktails, lemons are used in a lot of households across cultures and cuisines. They are, however, rarely consumed alone due to their intense, sour taste. This is due to lemons’ high citric acid content, which is about 5−6 percent of the fruit’s juice.

Health and Wellness

This citrus supplies a host of health benefits and is a great source of vitamin C — one medium-size lemon can provide over 30 milligrams of it — and antioxidants. Vitamin C is essential for the body. This was common knowledge even among early explorers who took lemons on long voyages to prevent or treat scurvy, a sign of severe malnutrition and a life-threatening ailment common among sailors. Today, a warm cup of lemon water is a morning ritual for many because of its detoxifying and digestive benefits, setting the tone for the day ahead.

Pops of Color

It is impossible to walk by a lemon tree without marveling at it. The visual allure of what resembles bright orbs of sun growing on lush green trees can be found throughout California. Though plentiful throughout the state, which boasts over 40,000 acres of lemons, it is still a charming sight to stumble upon, a testament to nature’s beauty. California’s climate is conducive to citrus cultivation, so lemons are produced year-round with peak season running from May through October. Commercial lemon farming is an important agricultural industry here, with California producing over 20 percent of the nation’s fresh lemons annually.

Aromatherapy

The invigorating lemon scent is a breath of fresh air, capable of lifting spirits and brightening moods. As it is commonly used in numerous products, from cleaning supplies to cosmetics, it is a fragrance synonymous with cleanliness and rejuvenation. Lemons are more than just fruit to be consumed; they’re symbols of zest and vitality in various industries. The scent is so potent that citrus extracts can also be distilled from the leaves, bark and flowers of lemon trees.