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

Course 4 Hours Or Less Preparation Time To Make

Bamieh Okra And Lamb Middle East Palestine

Experience the rich flavors of Palestine with this authentic Bamieh Okra and Lamb recipe! Tender lamb simmered in a vibrant tomato sauce, perfectly complemented by crispy fried okra and aromatic spices. This hearty dish, easily adaptable with chicken, is served over fluffy rice for a truly satisfying meal. A simple yet unforgettable taste of the Middle East!

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Lemon Vegetarian Desserts Lemon

Apple Flory A Puff Pastry Tart Scotland

A taste of Scotland! This classic Apple Flory Tart recipe, inspired by a 1983 British cookbook, features flaky puff pastry cradling a sweet and subtly spiced apple filling. Perfect for afternoon tea or a special occasion, this recipe is surprisingly easy to make and delivers incredible flavor. Relive the nostalgia of traditional British cooking with this updated, easy-to-follow recipe.

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Cuisine Course Low In Something Dietary

Baked Greek Lemon Chicken

Experience the bright, zesty flavors of Greece with this irresistible Baked Greek Lemon Chicken recipe! Inspired by Festival Foods in Green Bay, this dish is incredibly easy to make and delivers restaurant-quality results in under an hour. Juicy chicken baked to perfection with lemon, herbs, and garlic – a crowd-pleasing meal perfect for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion.

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Main Ingredient Cuisine Dinner Party Course

Barbecued Blarney Salmon

Indulge in this exquisite Barbecued Blarney Salmon recipe! This recipe showcases the delicate flavor of wild-caught salmon (while respecting conservation efforts – please ensure your salmon is sustainably sourced). Whether you're grilling outdoors on a warm summer evening or broiling indoors on a chilly day, this recipe delivers perfectly cooked, flaky salmon every time. The zesty lemon herb marinade complements the richness of the salmon beautifully, creating a dish that's both simple and sophisticated. Perfect for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion!

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For 1 Or 2 Shrimp Shellfish 3 Steps Or Less

Artichoke Shrimp Linguine

This vibrant Artichoke Shrimp Linguine recipe, inspired by Daniel Spengler of Seattle, is a light and flavorful pasta dish perfect for a weeknight meal. Enjoy succulent shrimp alongside tender artichoke hearts in a delicate sauce. Easily adaptable for vegetarians by swapping shrimp for mushrooms, asparagus, sun-dried tomatoes, and spinach! This recipe is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser, whether you follow it exactly or add your own creative twists. Prepare to be amazed by its deliciousness!

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Main Dish Healthy 2 Rice Low In Something

Authentic Spanish Paella

Master the art of Paella with this incredible recipe! Developed over a year of experimentation, this recipe delivers an authentic Spanish Paella experience, perfect for a crowd. Cooked in an 18" paella pan over an open flame (a Weber grill is ideal!), this recipe blends succulent seafood and tender meats for a truly unforgettable flavor. While purists debate the meat and seafood combination, our experience across Spain shows this delicious mix is widely enjoyed. Easily adaptable for smaller stovetop pans – simply halve the recipe. Get ready to impress your friends and family with this vibrant and flavorful masterpiece!

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Seafood Course Main Dish Preparation

Baked Salmon Patties Or Muffins

Lighten up your weeknight meal with these healthy and delicious baked salmon patties! This recipe uses a muffin tin for perfectly portioned, lower-fat salmon patties, inspired by a Taste of Home favorite. Flaky salmon is combined with savory herbs and breadcrumbs, then baked to golden perfection. Serve with our zesty dipping sauce for a complete and satisfying meal.

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Preparation Preparation Time To Make Course

Bbq Shrimp

This vibrant summer BBQ shrimp bake recipe is a family favorite! Enjoy succulent shrimp bathed in a sweet and smoky BBQ sauce. Bake them peeled or unpeeled – your choice! This easy recipe is ready in under 30 minutes, perfect for a weeknight meal or a casual get-together.

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Healthy Healthy Easy Low Saturated Fat

17 Twist

Escape the ordinary with the 17 Twist! This vibrant and fruity cocktail is incredibly easy to make and perfect for a quick refreshment any time of day. Bursting with juicy flavor, it's the ideal summer drink or a delightful treat for any occasion. Get ready to be amazed by its simple yet sensational taste!

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Condiments Etc Healthy Low Sodium Pitted Fruit

Apricot Citrus Preserves

Delight your taste buds with these vibrant Apricot Citrus Preserves! A unique twist on classic jam, this recipe combines juicy apricots, zesty citrus, and warm spices for a flavor explosion perfect on toast, bagels, muffins, or even yogurt. Developed for rsc #6, this recipe is easy to follow and results in a deliciously homemade treat. Get ready to elevate your breakfast game!

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Seafood Occasion Dinner Party Broil

Barbecue Prawns

Fire up the grill for these succulent BBQ prawns! A simple yet flavorful recipe featuring juicy shrimp marinated to perfection. Perfect for a summer barbecue or a quick weeknight meal. Get ready for a taste explosion!

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Fish Main Dish Course 30 Minutes Or Less

Baked Flounder With Fresh Lemon Pepper

This light and flavorful Baked Flounder with Zesty Lemon Pepper recipe is ready in under 30 minutes! Flaky flounder fillets are bathed in a bright lemon-pepper garlic sauce and baked to perfection. A Cooking Light favorite (March 2003), this recipe is perfect for a healthy and delicious weeknight meal.

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Course Cuisine South African 60 Minutes Or Less

Beat And Bake Madeira Cake

Need a delicious dessert in a flash? This Beat & Bake Madeira Cake is your new lifesaver! Incredibly quick to mix, it's moist, tender, and requires no icing – perfect for satisfying those sweet cravings instantly. Get ready to impress with this easy, elegant cake!

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French Dinner Party Appetizers Preparation

Beautiful Layered Smoked Salmon Mackerel Pate

Indulge in this stunning layered pâté, a culinary masterpiece featuring two types of smoked salmon – regular and golden roast – alongside smoky mackerel. The rich flavors of salmon and mackerel blend beautifully, creating a sophisticated appetizer perfect for parties or a special occasion. Best made a day ahead to allow flavors to meld and the pâté to chill perfectly. Prepare to impress!

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Time To Make Oven Dietary Equipment

Baked Clams

Recreate the magic of a honeymoon seafood dinner with this delectable baked clams recipe! Inspired by a cherished memory, this recipe uses readily available ingredients to bring the taste of fresh clams to your kitchen, even if you're landlocked. Get ready for a burst of savory, garlicky goodness with a perfectly golden-brown topping. A simple yet elegant dish perfect for a romantic night in or a special occasion.

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Time To Make Brunch North American Kid Friendly

Avocado Toast With Lemon

Relive the simple joys of a 1960s Sunday morning with this easy avocado toast recipe! Inspired by a cherished family tradition, this recipe uses ripe avocados (a rare treat back then!) to create a quick and delicious breakfast. The creamy avocado, bright lemon juice, and perfectly toasted bread come together for a flavor explosion. Whether you use hearty wheat bread or your favorite variety, this customizable recipe is perfect for a weekend brunch or a weeknight treat. Get ready to experience a taste of nostalgia and pure deliciousness!

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Healthy 2 Low Calorie Cuisine Low Sodium

Broiled Asparagus With Garlic

This recipe for broiled asparagus with garlic is a healthy and delicious side dish, perfect for a light meal or a weeknight dinner! Ready in under 20 minutes, this vibrant recipe is packed with flavor and will impress even the pickiest eaters. It's low-calorie, quick, and incredibly satisfying – the ultimate guilt-free side dish!

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Course Seafood For 1 Or 2 Low Carb

Baked Stuffed Lobster Tails

Indulge in a luxurious and surprisingly quick meal with this 30-minute Baked Stuffed Lobster Tail recipe! Perfectly seasoned lobster meat is nestled in a fragrant breadcrumb stuffing, then baked to succulent perfection. A simple yet elegant dish that's sure to impress.

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