Q. How do I determine the best time to pick lemons? Mine
are yellow with some being very firm and others feeling “givvy”. This
has been a good year and my Meyer lemon “bush” will afford us lemon curd and juice for the next year.
are yellow with some being very firm and others feeling “givvy”. This
has been a good year and my Meyer lemon “bush” will afford us lemon curd and juice for the next year.
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| Flowers of Meyer Lemon |
A. I would pick them as they mature which will usually be
late November through possibly the early part of January. You should have them
all picked however no later than mid-January so you do not interfere with next
seasons production.
 |
| When picking lemons try not to totally remove the stem but leave a small part still attached. This will help keep it from losing moisture in storage and keep longer. |
They
will keep very nicely for a few weeks in the fridge. I would pick on which is
the yellowest and taste it. As it gets colder, more flavors will develop and
sugars. Pay close attention to how it tastes now and pick one in a week or so
and compare as the season progresses.
will keep very nicely for a few weeks in the fridge. I would pick on which is
the yellowest and taste it. As it gets colder, more flavors will develop and
sugars. Pay close attention to how it tastes now and pick one in a week or so
and compare as the season progresses.
Another
option is to use a device which measures the sugar content of the fruit. One
such device is called a refractometer. Refractometers measure the sugar content
of liquid from inside the fruit by passing sunlight through it and detecting
how this light is altered.
option is to use a device which measures the sugar content of the fruit. One
such device is called a refractometer. Refractometers measure the sugar content
of liquid from inside the fruit by passing sunlight through it and detecting
how this light is altered.
 |
| Refractometer running around $50 to $75. Digital versions are more expensive. |
They can
range in price from about $50 to $200 depending on how sophisticated you want
it. You can find them online from companies that sell equipment to orchards.
range in price from about $50 to $200 depending on how sophisticated you want
it. You can find them online from companies that sell equipment to orchards.
I am
guessing you will hit the peak about early to mid-December. But still the best
way to judge is by taste.
guessing you will hit the peak about early to mid-December. But still the best
way to judge is by taste.