Lemons are oval in shape and feature a yellow, texturized outer peel. Crossed between a lime and a citron, a lemon’s tart and the tangy inner flesh is encased in eight to ten segments. The two main types of sour lemons are Eureka and Lisbon.
In addition to these sour lemons, there are also some varieties that are sweet in flavor, such as the beloved Meyer Lemon. Lemons are a favorite flavoring for cooks, so be sure to pick some up to brighten up your dishes.
Find a nice variety of lemons at the farmers' market where freshness means flavor.
The Lowdown
Season
Winter
Color
Yellow
Select
Look for lemons that are heavy for their size, with finely grained, thin peels. They should be fully yellow in color with no soft patches or wrinkling.
Store
Lemons will stay fresh kept at room temperature, away from exposure to sunlight, for about one week. You can also store the lemons in the refrigerator crisper, where they will keep for about four weeks.
