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No Lemons in Mexico
By Editor | October 24, 2007
I haven’t seen a true North American lemon since we moved here. You know, the large, fleshy, not-too-sour lemons that are called for in so many American recipes. Yes, there are limónes here, but they are smaller and green because that term in Mexican Spanish refers primarily to limes. I did a little research and found that the lemons that grow in California and Florida are very rare south of the border. In fact, Rick Bayless, author of several prominent Mexican cookbooks, says he has only seen American yellow lemons sold commercially in northwest Mexico, where they are called limónes reales.
Lemons and lemon juice are seldom used in Mexican cooking. The lime reigns supreme here in that area. I did find out that Southern Mexico is now a major grower of lemons, not for the fruit, but primarily for lemon peel oil. Also some U.S. food companies are now growing lemons in Mexico for shipment back to the U.S. However, if you are a big fan of lemon cream pie, you might want to bring a few lemons or a bottle of lemon juice with you. It doesn’t bother me. I just make my margaritas with Mexican limónes and a slice of lime is quite nice in a glass of ice tea.
Topics: Living Here |
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