Lemons originated in South East Asia and this citrus fruit has been revered for their antiseptic properties since ancient times.
International Lemon Production
It has even been used as an antidote for certain poisons. In ancient Rome, lemons were seen as a luxury item reserved for the rich, thanks to its healing properties, pleasant aroma and rarity. Through DNA analysis it was established that lemons developed from a hybrid - the sour orange and citron.
India is the top producer of lemons and accounted for 17% of the world production in 2018, as reflected by Tridge. Mexico took second place, with 14% of the production. Followed by China, at 13.2%.
Spain is the biggest exporter of lemons, at almost 18% of total exports in 2018. While once again, Mexico assumes second place, at roughly 16% of exports. Turkey and South Africa, respectively account for 9.6 and 9.4% of total exports.
The United States is the biggest importer, with more than 15% of all imports in 2018. Germany followed closely behind at 11%, while France and the Netherlands, each account for roughly 7% of all imports.
Uses of Lemons
Lemons are sour, so usually it is not eaten fresh or on its own. The juice and rind are nevertheless high in demand as a flavouring used in a wide variety of dishes, from baked goods to cooked meat and vegetables and salad dressing. In South Africa, consumers of fish and chips often receive slices of lemon along with their meal.
Lemon is also an excellent meat tenderiser and helps to break down fat. It may be used to make fruit preserve, called marmalade or sugar-coated dried fruit slices. Besides this, the juice is used to make beverages, such as lemonade, teas and liqueurs. Slices of lemon are used as a garnish for drinks or to flavour water.
Lemons are rich in vitamins and minerals, so it is seen as a digestive tonic, immune booster and even used as a skin booster. People often drink it together with other ingredients, such as honey, whiskey and cinnamon, as a flu-fighter, known as a hot-toddy.
They can be used to prevent fruit, such as apples from browning, and because of their ability to breakdown fat, lemons also act as a cleanser. Burnt pots, for example, can be rubbed with lemon and left overnight to ease cleaning. It may also be used to make invisible ink or as a bleaching agent and as an essential oil.
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