Seasonal Fruit

     We are all familiar with the summer fruits that we longingly wait for each year.  Strawberries, blueberries, peaches and apples are best when freshly picked.  But there is one seasonal fruit that is best right now in the dead of Winter.

     Meyer lemons grow throughout the year but are at their peak from January to May.  Native to China they were introduced into the United States in 1908 by agricultural explorer Frank Meyer, an employee of the USDA.  The Meyer lemon tree is short and compact, growing only 6-10 feet tall with shiny green leaves.  The tree matures in 4 years and begins to produce thousands of the plump, smooth-skinned, dark yellow fruits.  They can also be raised for ornamental and decorative purposes and grow well in warm climates as a potted plant.

     Those fruits are more round than a traditional lemon and sweeter and less acidic, with a thinner skin and a more floral scent, with an aroma that has a hint of honey and thyme.

     So what are some of the uses for this winter seasonal fruit?  They can be used to make a sweet, not tart, lemonade and can flavor a roast chicken or baked shrimp.  Or you can be really creative with Meyer lemons and thinly slice them and arrange them on a pizza crust topped with goat cheese, rosemary and olives!