Lemon

Citrus limon Fruit

Lemon Fruit

At a Glance

  • Category Fruit

The Forktionary Angle

"The culinary essential, brightening and balancing flavors across sweet and savory dishes with its vibrant acidity."

Definition

A yellow citrus fruit known for its sour juice and fragrant zest, widely used in cooking, baking, and beverages for its bright flavor.

Acidity (pH) 2.2-2.6
Juice Yield (Average) 2-3 tablespoons per medium lemon
Vitamin C Content ~50mg per 100g

Flavor Profile

The primary flavor notes for Lemon are:

Sour acidic tart bright fragrant

Chef’s Secret

To extract maximum juice from a lemon, microwave it for 10-20 seconds or roll it firmly on a counter before cutting.

Best Substitutes

Lime

slightly more bitter
Ratio 1:1

Vinegar

for acidity, less fragrance
Ratio 1:1

Citric acid

1/2 tsp for 1 tbsp lemon juice

Buying Guide

Choose firm, heavy lemons with smooth, bright yellow skin. Avoid soft spots or dull, shriveled skin.

Recipes Using Lemon

Time To Make 3 Steps Or Less Main Ingredient Low Carb

Alaska Salmon Bake With Pecan Crunch Coating

This Alaskan salmon recipe is a crowd-pleaser! A flaky salmon fillet is coated in a sweet and savory pecan crunch, then baked to perfection. Inspired by rave reviews from a popular grocery website, this recipe delivers a restaurant-quality meal in under 30 minutes. Get ready for tender, juicy salmon with a delightfully crispy topping – it's the perfect weeknight dinner or impressive special occasion dish.

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Low Sodium High In Something Seafood Main Dish

Almond Crusted Salmon

Experience a flavor explosion with this crispy Almond Crusted Salmon! Perfectly pan-seared salmon fillets are coated in a crunchy almond crust, creating a delightful contrast of textures and tastes. This recipe is quick, easy, and sure to impress – ready in under 30 minutes!

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Preparation Course Dietary Low In Something

Amaranth Leaves Spinach In Coconut Milk

Discover a vibrant and flavorful vegetarian dish featuring tender amaranth leaves and spinach simmered in rich coconut milk. This nutritious and easy-to-make recipe is a culinary adventure, perfect for weeknight dinners or special occasions. Enjoy the earthy amaranth, complemented by the sweetness of coconut milk and the option to add your favorite spices. Serve alongside fluffy rice or your preferred grain for a complete and satisfying meal. Easily adaptable – substitute other leafy greens like spinach or kale!

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Main Dish Main Dish Cuisine Pacific Northwest

Amazing Chicken Marinade

This award-winning chicken marinade recipe delivers incredibly juicy and flavorful grilled chicken every time! Inspired by a family favorite from allrecipes (ruth crickmer), this recipe boasts a perfectly balanced blend of sweet and tangy flavors. Get ready for charred perfection without the burn, thanks to our adjusted cooking instructions. Even faster than the original, this recipe is perfect for busy weeknights.

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Preparation Main Ingredient Side Dishes Summer

Ambrosial Roasted Garlic Cauliflower

Indulge in this irresistible roasted cauliflower recipe! Golden-brown florets, bursting with the fragrant flavors of rosemary, garlic, and saffron, are tossed in a creamy roasted garlic sauce. This show-stopping side dish or vegetarian main course is perfect for a special occasion or a weeknight dinner. Get ready to experience a symphony of textures and tastes!

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Meat Meat Low Carb High In Something

Aromatic Leg Of Lamb

Elevate your weeknight dinner with this succulent Aromatic Leg of Lamb recipe, adapted from a Good Housekeeping classic! This recipe infuses the lamb with a subtle yet unforgettable blend of fennel, cumin, and coriander, creating a truly exceptional dining experience. Perfect for a special occasion or a satisfying family meal.

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Kid Friendly Course Preparation Time To Make

Authentic Russian Ukrainian Borscht

Discover the true taste of homemade Borscht! This isn't your average canned-vegetable soup. This recipe, passed down through generations, uses only the freshest ingredients for a rich, hearty, and deeply satisfying borscht. The secret? High-quality meat—the better the meat, the better the broth. Once you savor this authentic borscht, you'll never go back to store-bought. Enjoy it au naturel, or indulge with a dollop of full-fat sour cream for the ultimate comfort food experience. A perfect recipe for a chilly evening or a special occasion!

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North American Bisques Cream Soups Cuisine Eggs Dairy

Award Winning Maryland Cream Of Crab Soup

Indulge in this decadent Maryland Cream of Crab Soup, the grand prize winner of the 53rd Annual National Hard Crab Derby in Crisfield, MD! Created by Ms. Charlese Smith, this rich and creamy soup is a true taste of Maryland. Get ready for a luxurious crab experience – this isn't your average light soup! (Note: For an even richer flavor, try sautéing 1 cup of grated onion in butter until very soft before adding the milk and cream.)

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Easy Easy Preparation Main Ingredient

B B Q Lemon Chicken Family Favorite

This incredibly simple recipe delivers unbelievably flavorful BBQ lemon chicken that your whole family will adore! So juicy and tender, it's guaranteed to disappear – there'll never be any leftovers! Perfect for a weeknight dinner or a weekend BBQ.

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Low Carb Side Dishes Low Cholesterol Healthy 2

Back To Basics Roasted Green Beans

Elevate your weeknight meals with this incredibly easy and delicious roasted green bean recipe! Crispy-tender green beans tossed with toasted walnuts, bright lemon, and fragrant thyme – a simple yet stunning side dish that pairs perfectly with any protein or main course. Ready in under 30 minutes!

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Oven Gluten Free Inexpensive Equipment

Baked Apples And Bananas

Indulge in the comforting warmth of baked apples and bananas! This easy recipe creates a delicious and healthy topping for your oatmeal, French toast, or waffles. Sweet, spiced, and bursting with flavor, it's the perfect autumnal breakfast or dessert. Get ready for a taste of cozy deliciousness!

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Beginner Cook Cuisine 60 Minutes Or Less Scandinavian

Baked Fish From Iceland

A classic recipe from a UNICEF children's cookbook, this Baked Fish from Iceland is incredibly easy, yet surprisingly delicious! This family favorite is ready in under an hour and features flaky fish baked to perfection with a creamy mustard sauce and cheesy topping. Perfect for a weeknight meal or a fun cooking project with kids.

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Salmon Easy Salmon Seafood

Baked Lemon Pepper Salmon

Flaky, juicy salmon baked to perfection with a zesty lemon pepper crust! This easy oven-baked recipe is ready in under an hour and requires minimal cleanup. Impress your family with this restaurant-quality dish that's surprisingly simple to make. Perfect for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion.

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Course Preparation Main Dish Stove Top

Balsamic Sauteed Shrimp

This unbelievably easy and quick recipe for Balsamic Sauteed Shrimp will become your new weeknight favorite! Adapted from Fine Cooking, this recipe delivers restaurant-quality flavor in under 30 minutes. Enjoy succulent shrimp coated in a rich, glossy balsamic glaze – perfect for a romantic dinner or a casual weeknight meal.

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Occasion Course 15 Minutes Or Less Technique

Berry Peach Sangria

Beat the heat with this vibrant Berry Peach Sangria! A delightfully refreshing summer cocktail, perfect for parties or a relaxing evening. Bursting with juicy peaches and sweet berries, this easy-to-make sangria is best enjoyed from large wine glasses, filled with ice and garnished with fresh fruit. This recipe comes to you courtesy of Edible Portland and the Oregon Raspberry & Blackberry Commission.

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Meat Greek Barbecue Dietary

Best Ever Grilled Chicken Kebabs

Unlock the secret to unbelievably juicy and flavorful grilled chicken kebabs! This ridiculously easy recipe requires minimal prep time and delivers restaurant-quality taste in just 20 minutes. Seriously, it's THAT good. Perfect for a weeknight dinner or a backyard barbecue, these kebabs are sure to become a family favorite. Get ready for rave reviews!

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Low Sodium Time To Make Easy Healthy 2

Lemony's Ugly But Awesome Spinach Smoothie

This vibrant green smoothie isn't the prettiest, but its incredible flavor and health benefits will blow you away! Packed with spinach, Granny Smith apple, and a zesty lemon kick, this recipe is a delicious way to boost your daily dose of vitamins. Perfect for a quick breakfast, healthy snack, or even fun green popsicles for the kids! Easily customizable with your favorite greens and sweeteners.

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