Different Types Of Lemons With Pictures | Best Lemon Varieties

Check out the Different Types of Lemons with Pictures in the given article and choose the perfect variety to grow indoors or in your garden!

Lemons are renowned for their zesty and revitalizing sourness, effortlessly elevating the flavor profile of a wide range of cuisines. Their versatility has made them an integral component in various culinary and non-culinary applications globally. In addition to its prominent role in recipes and beverages, lemons can also be grown in pots for a continuous supply. To explore the diverse world of lemons, including different varieties with visual representations, continue reading this article.

Check out how to grow a lemon tree in a pot here!

Types of Lemons

Avalon Lemons

The botanical name for this particular citrus fruit is Avon, which is native to Florida. It’s often referred to as the Avon lemon or Lisbon-type lemon. Interestingly, you’re just as likely to come across it on store shelves as a concentrated juice product in the produce section as you are to find it growing naturally in its homeland. The trees themselves can reach impressive heights of up to 20 feet.

Bearss Lemons

The botanical name for this variety of lemon is Citrus latifolia, and it’s characterized by a height range of 10-20 feet. Originating from Italy, bearss lemons have since been cultivated in Florida since the 1950s. Notably, these high-quality lemons are rich in lemon oil within their peel, making them one of the most sought-after types of lemons.

Buddha’s Hand Lemons

The botanical name for this unique citrus variety is Citrus medica var. sarcodactylis, which translates to ‘finger citron’ due to its distinctive finger-like shape. This fragrant lemon cultivar, also known as Finger Citron in many Asian countries, originates from the lower Himalayan regions. Notably, both the rind and pith of this variety are useful, as it does not contain any seeds or juice.

The lemons are primarily grown in China, where they hold cultural significance as a symbol of happiness and fortune.

Bush Lemons

Citrus limon jambhiri, also known as rough lemon, is a distinctive variety characterized by its thick and rigid rind with a strong flavor profile. Native to subtropical regions of Australia, this wild-growing species thrives in these environments. Notably, bush lemons are low in juice content and primarily utilized for propagating other lemon varieties through transplantation.

Interestingly, they exhibit self-seeding capabilities, allowing seeds to fall to the ground and germinate into new plants without human intervention.

Baboon Lemons

Citrus, a genus characterized by its versatility, is home to the baboon lemon, a species native to Brazil. Measuring 8-10 feet in height, this peculiar citrus fruit boasts bright yellow skin and an intensely sour flavor profile that evokes the tanginess of lime. Its rind and pulp are highly valued for their uses in various culinary creations, including BBQ and pasta sauces.

Citron Lemons

Citrus medica, also known as the citron lemon, is a species that thrives in India and the Himalayas. It’s primarily associated with ‘Buddha’s Hand’, Greek Citron, Corsicans, and Yemenite Citron varieties. One of its most notable characteristics is the fact that every part of the plant is useful, leaving nothing to waste. Interestingly, citron lemons are mainly cultivated for their rind, which is a significant departure from other citrus fruits that produce copious amounts of juice.

Dorshapo Lemons

The Citrus species, known as Dorshapo, originates from Brazil and owes its name to three intrepid plant explorers – Dorsett, Shamel, and Popenoe. Notably, this variety of lemon stands out for its sweet flavor profile, which is distinctively free from the typical acidity often associated with lemons. Its unique characteristics have earned it a reputation as one of the more popular and notable types of citrus fruits.

Eureka Lemons

Citrus x Limon ‘Eureka’ is the botanical name for this widely cultivated variety of lemon tree. At maturity, it can reach heights between 10 to 12 feet tall. Interestingly, Eureka lemons are grown globally, with the exception of a few Mediterranean countries and Italy, where Lisbon lemons hold more prominence. A characteristic feature of these trees is their thornlessness, allowing for easy cultivation and harvesting.

Furthermore, Eureka lemons produce fruit year-round, making them an ideal choice for commercial growers and consumers alike. Their popularity is reflected in the fact that they can be easily found in most stores.

Femminello St. Teresa Lemons

Citrus limon ‘Femminello Santa Teresa’ stands tall at a height of 8-12 feet, boasting a unique combination of sour and tart flavors. Hailing from Italy, these medium-sized lemons are distinguished by their thick skin and acidic taste profile. While they may not be as widely recognized globally as some other varieties, the Femminello lemons hold a special place in Italian culinary culture.

Meyer lemon

The Meyer lemon, scientifically known as Limon x meyeri, is a unique citrus hybrid that boasts an impressive height range of 6-10 feet. What sets it apart from its common lemon counterparts is its smooth, golden edible skin, lack of tartness, and abundant juice content. This sweet and fragrant variety can be used in a variety of applications, including desserts, sauces, roasts, and salads, making it an ideal addition to any culinary creation.

Fino Citron Lemons

Citrus species, typically reaching heights between 8-12 feet tall, boast a characteristic that sets them apart from other types: the fino citron lemon. These lemons exhibit a distinct trait – they contain less juice and more seeds compared to their counterparts. Their acidity is a redeeming quality, as they still manage to tantalize the taste buds with their zesty flavor profile, which bears a striking resemblance to Verna lemons.

However, one notable drawback of these citrus trees is their abundance of thorns, making it challenging to harvest the fruit without encountering some resistance.

Greek Citron Lemons

The botanical name of this citrus species is Citrus, with a typical height range of 8-15 feet. Dubbed Corfu Etrog or Etrog, this particular variety has a rich history dating back to around 500 BCE when it was first introduced in Greece. Its popularity soon spread to various European countries. Interestingly, this lemon variety holds cultural significance in Greek temples, where it’s often used as a fruit offering in religious rituals.

Its importance extends beyond Greece, with its use seen in multiple countries and their respective customs.

Interdonato Lemons

Citrus species, commonly known as Interdonato lemons, originate from Italy, with a significant presence in Sicily. Characterized by seedless flesh and smooth skin, these lemons are distinct from others due to their mildly bitter flavor and reduced juice content. This unique characteristic makes them one of the most popular and diverse types of lemons.

Limetta Lemons

Citrus limetta, a species native to Southeast Asia, has established itself as a prominent player in the citrus family. Reaching heights of up to 26 feet, this tree is predominantly cultivated in Mediterranean countries and India. Interestingly, Limetta lemons are often referred to as ‘sweet lemons’ due to their unique characteristic – a lack of acidity that sets them apart from other citrus fruits.

The rind of these lemons holds a significant amount of lemon oil, making them a versatile fruit that can be enjoyed in various ways.

Lisbon Lemons

The Lisbon lemon, scientifically known as Citrus, is a remarkable fruit with several notable characteristics. Reaching heights of up to 30 feet, this citrus variety stands out for its distinctive features. The most striking aspect of the Lisbon lemon is its exceptionally acidic taste and seedless nature. Additionally, the peel boasts a medium thickness, making it a sought-after feature among enthusiasts.

Furthermore, the tree thrives in cool temperatures, producing thorns that are an integral part of its defense mechanism. One of the unique aspects of this citrus species is its dual harvest capabilities, with two distinct harvests occurring throughout the year.

Ponderosa Lemons

The botanical name of the Ponderosa lemon is Citrus x pyriformis, indicating that it’s a hybrid species. This variety is believed to have originated from a cross between citron and lemon, although this hasn’t been officially verified. One notable characteristic of Ponderosa lemons is their thick, rigid skin, which bears some resemblance to the bush lemon. When it comes to growing conditions, these trees are best suited for warmer climates, as they don’t thrive in cooler temperatures.

On average, Ponderosa lemons can grow between 12-24 feet tall.

Primofiori Lemon

Primofiori, a type of lemon native to Spain, boasts a unique characteristic – its peel is surprisingly soft and thin compared to other citrus fruits. With an average height of up to 19 feet, this citrus tree stands out in terms of both appearance and flavor. The fruit itself is tart and packed with juice, making it a sought-after variety among citrus enthusiasts.

The name ‘Primofiori’ literally translates to ‘first flowers’, referencing the fact that these lemons ripen first during the harvest season. As one of the many distinct types of lemons, Primofiori is definitely worth exploring for those looking to add some excitement to their citrus collection.

Verna Lemons

The botanical name for Verna lemons is Citrus Limonum L. cv. Verna, which identifies this citrus species at its most specific level. When it comes to physical characteristics, Verna lemon trees typically reach a height of 6-8 feet. One of the distinctive features of this variety is its thick rind, which contrasts with other types of lemons that may have thinner or more fragile peels.

Additionally, Verna lemons tend to produce fewer seeds and contain a higher volume of juice compared to some other citrus fruits. It’s also worth noting that these trees can produce two or even three harvests per year, although the latter is relatively rare. The acidity level of Verna lemons is notable for being similar to that found in Eureka lemons.

Volkamer Lemons

Volkamer lemons, scientifically known as Citrus x Volkameriana, stand at a height of 10-12 feet. Originating from Italy, these round and small fruits are a unique cross between a lemon and sour orange. Notably, they exhibit a low acidic content, setting them apart from other types of lemons. This distinctive variety has gained popularity among citrus enthusiasts.

Yen Ben Lemons

The Yen Ben lemon, scientifically known as Citrus, is a remarkable species characterized by its slender stems and smooth, thin skin. One of its most notable features is its exceptional juiciness, which allows it to be stored for extended periods of time. Furthermore, this variety has the unique ability to produce fruits two times a year, typically during the fall and winter seasons.

Villafranca lemons

The Villafranca lemon (Citrus x Limon ‘Villafranca’) is a sub-variant of the popular Eureka lemon, distinguished by its slightly lower acidity. One notable characteristic of this variety is its similar skin appearance to that of the Eureka lemon, despite its distinct differences in acidity levels.

Notably, Villafranca lemons are classified as a winter crop, as they only produce fruit in cooler climates, making them an ideal choice for growers and consumers alike who desire a citrus harvest during the colder months.

Kagzi Lime

The kagzi lime, scientifically known as Citrus aurantifolia, boasts an impressive stature of 8-10 feet in height. This citrus fruit has earned significant recognition in India due to its impressive nutritional and medicinal profile. Notably, it stands out from other limes with its larger size, offering a delightful flavor experience.

Moreover, the juice extracted from this citrus fruit is renowned for its ability to alleviate the discomfort caused by mosquito bites, making it a valuable asset for many.