Meyer lemons are a small, sweet hybrid lemon. They’re thought to be a cross between a “true” lemon (like the Eureka and Lisbon variety more commonly found in stores) and a mandarin orange. They’re smaller and rounder than true lemons, have smooth, thin rinds with a deep, yellow-gold hue, and pale orange pulp.
When it comes to taste, it’s easy to tell a Meyer lemon from a true lemon, as Meyer lemons are less acidic and are sweeter in taste. There’s even a difference in the rinds of a Meyer lemon vs. a true lemon, as the Meyer lemon has a much more fragrant rind when zested.
Can you use a Meyer lemon in place of a true lemon?
Well, that depends: because Meyer lemons have a sweeter, more floral flavor than regular lemons, they make a great substitute for regular lemons in dessert recipes, but if your recipe demands a bolder, more acidic flavor from its lemon juice (like a lemon vinaigrette) Meyer lemons aren’t going to deliver quite the same “zing” as a regular lemon will.
If you want to make a Meyer lemon recipe but don’t have any on hand, you can substitute a mix of equal parts fresh lemon juice and orange juice or tangerine juice. You can also substitute equal parts lemon zest and orange, tangerine, or mandarin zest for a grated Meyer lemon peel.
Where to Buy Meyer Lemons
Because of their thin peel, Meyer lemons don’t travel as well and aren’t as widely available as regular lemons. You can, however, grow your own at home – without even having to move to a warmer climate!
If you’re wondering where to buy a lemon tree, know that Citrus.com offers several lemon tree varieties, including a variety of both a standard-sized and dwarf-size improved Meyer lemon tree for sale. To determine which lemon tree is best for you, you’ll want to consider where you live and how much space you have. If you buy dwarf lemon tree, you’ll be able to keep it in a pot that you can move indoors when the weather gets cold. Among other varieties, you can find a Dwarf Meyer Lemon Tree for sale on Citrus.com.
Potted Meyer Lemon Tree Care
Dwarf Meyer lemon tree is not too dissimilar from standard Improved Meyer Lemon Tree care – in fact, it’s often simpler. Here are some sure-fire tips for keeping your Dwarf Meyer Lemon Tree healthy:
- Keep a shallow tray of pebbles under the Meyer lemon tree’s pot to give the plant the extra humidity it needs indoors, where the air is much dryer. Cover the pebbles partially with water. Don’t let the bottom of the pot sit in water.
- Water your indoor Meyer lemon tree just enough to keep the root ball from completely drying out. Water thoroughly when the soil is dry 2 to 3 inches deep. Evenly moisten the surface soil, but do not allow it to become soggy or wet.
- Feed the tree’s foliage with a specially formulated Meyer lemon tree fertilizer once monthly (you can find All-in-One Citrus Care Kits on Citrus.com). throughout the winter. Spray the foliage liberally to coat all surfaces well.
- Wash the lemon tree’s leaf surfaces with a soft, damp cloth weekly. This will go a long way toward preventing pest infestations. Treat the plant periodically with insecticidal soap.
- How to prune a Meyer lemon tree: use clean, sharp shears to prune out dead or damaged limbs immediately after the last expected frost for your area. Trim out any branches that rub or cross over each other to open the canopy up slightly and allow for air circulation. Snip some tips off to shape the lemon tree to your taste. Keep in mind that your Meyer lemon tree pruning should be minimal.
