Question: Meyer Lemon Tree Information
Answer: Meyer lemon trees were discovered by Frank N. Meyer, an agricultural explorer (his real job title), for the USDA. Mayer found the trees growing in garden pots in China in 1908, as an ornamental houseplants. Meyer lemon trees, which are a cross between lemon and Mandarin oranges, quickly became popular in citrus growing areas of this country, but it turned out they were asymptomatic carriers of a virus that deadly to other citrus trees, so most were destroyed.
In 1950 a virus free and disease resistant plant was developed and called, ‘Improved Meyer Lemon,’ which is known for it’s abundant, fragrant flowers as well as a thin-skinned fruit that is slightly sweeter than most other lemons. Meyer lemons became popular for cooking when Martha Stewart and Alice Waters started featuring them in recipes. Mayer lemons are in season from December through April. Because their thin skins make them difficult to ship, Meyer lemons can be difficult to find, which is a great reason to grow your own.
