Fruit
Meyer
S tier
Meyer lemon is a honeyed, thin-skinned lemon hybrid (likely lemon × mandarin) with floral orange notes, lower harsh acid, and deep yellow-orange rind when ripe. Discovered in China and popularised in California, it transformed desserts and cocktail citrus. Juice is softer; zest is perfume-forward. Use in curds, possets, roasting chickens, and drinks where floral sweetness helps. Not a 1:1 hard-acid swap for Eureka in all recipes—taste as you go. Thin peel confits beautifully.
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History
Frank Meyer collected the parent Meyer lemon in China for USDA introduction.
Improved Meyer selections revived US growing after virus issues.
Chefs and home bakers made Meyer a premium winter citrus darling.