What Is a Meyer Lemon? And How Is it Different from a Regular Lemon?

This cross between a lemon and a mandarin has a surprisingly sweet flavor.

If you've ever seen Meyer lemons on grocery store shelves during the winter months, you may have wondered if you can use them interchangeably with regular lemons. You may have also noticed they're more orange and rounder than other lemons. Appearance isn't the only thing different about this sweet citrus fruit. In this article we’ll take you through everything you need to know about using Meyer lemons including tips for Meyer lemon substitutes and our favorite Meyer lemon recipes.

Related: 17 Sweet-Tart Lemon and Citrus Desserts to Brighten Up Winter

What Are Meyer Lemons?

Meyer lemons originated from Beijing, China, and were first brought to the United States in the early 20th century. They are named for Frank Meyer, a U.S. Department of Agriculture employee, who first discovered the fruit and brought it to the States. They have gained popularity in recent years for their pale orange flesh, sweet taste, and floral notes. You'll see Meyer lemon used in everything from cocktails to desserts.

What's the Difference Between Meyer Lemons and Regular Lemons?

The lemons you commonly see on grocery store shelves are usually one of three varieties including Lisbon, Eureka, and Bearss. Meyer lemons are thought to be a cross between a regular lemon and a mandarin orange. There are a few other differences between regular and Meyer lemons.

• Size and Color: Meyer lemons are also smaller in size compared to a regular lemon, and if you look closely, you'll see they're also different colors. A lemon has thick yellow skin and a medium yellow pulp, but the skin of a Meyer lemon ranges from deep yellow to orange. If you cut into it, you can also see it has dark yellow or pale orange pulp. Meyer lemons also tend to be juicier than their counterparts.

• Taste: Another key difference that makes Meyer lemons stand out is their sweet, slightly floral taste. A regular lemon is acidic by nature and has a sour and tangy taste with some natural sweetness, but a Meyer lemon lacks the sour tang. This is what makes it such a great fruit for sweet desserts or salads.

• Seasonality: You can find regular lemons on shelves year-round. Meyer lemons are most available in-season from December to May.

Using Meyer Lemons as a Substitute

Now the question is whether the two can be substituted for another. It really depends on how you’re using the lemon. A Meyer lemon is sweeter and translates better in certain recipes, like desserts. If your recipe calls for the bold, acidic flavor of lemon juice or zest, you won't get the same flavor from a Meyer lemon. Instead, you might have better results substituting lime juice or zest or even a splash of vinegar.

If you need to substitute regular lemon juice for Meyer lemon juice, mix equal parts lemon and orange juices. If you need Meyer lemon zest, substitute and equal amount of regular lemon zest and mandarin, orange, or tangerine zest.

Where Can You Find Meyer Lemons?

Meyer lemons have a short season and you're only likely to find them between December and May. They are delicate and difficult to ship. Look for Meyer lemons in specialty food stores or grocery chains like Whole Foods. You can also find them online at retailers, like Pearson Ranch.

Related: How to Plant and Grow a Meyer Lemon Tree

How to Store Meyer Lemons?

Keep Meyer lemons in the crisper drawer of the fridge or in an airtight container in the refrigerator. There they will last for up to one week. If kept on the counter at room temperature, they'll have a shorter lifespan.

Meyer Lemon Recipes

If you've gotten your hands on fresh Meyer lemons, there are a variety of ways to use them. Try one of these delicious Meyer lemon recipes. If you're looking for a fun dessert where Meyer lemons shine, try these sugar-coated Meyer Lemon-Rosemary Slices or serve up a slice of this Shaker-Style Meyer Lemon Pie. For a multi-purpose sweet citrus glaze, check out this Meyer Lemon Glaze. If you're in a savory mood, give this Meyer Lemon & Rosemary Chicken Salad a try.

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