The lemon is the ellipsoidal fruit of the citrus species Citrus x limon. It is a small evergreen tree native to Asia. The fruit is used for culinary and non-culinary purposes throughout the world, primarily for its juice, though the pulp and rind (zest) are also used in cooking and baking. The juice of the lemon is about 5% to 6% citric acid, which gives lemons a sour taste. The distinctive sour taste of lemon juice makes it a key ingredient in drinks and foods such as lemonade.
Interestingly; lemons used to be the primary commercial source of citric acid before the development of fermentation-based processes. Up to 8% of the dry weight of lemons can be citric acid.
India produces most of the world’s lemons (16%).
*** Mind the water hazard to the left! ***