SOME FRUITS OF HAWAII 



43 



LEMON 



( Citrus limonia ) 



Description: Several varieties of lemons are grown in Hawaii, 

 some of which vary greatly in size and appearance from the well-known 

 commercial lemon. One of the larger varieties is 4 to 6 inches in length 

 with a thick, warty, greenish-yellow rind. The flavor of the fruit is 

 strongly acid but pleasant. The common, commercial varieties are 

 grown only to a limited extent. 



History: The lemon is a native of southern Asia but is now grown 

 in many warm sections of the world. Lemon plants are said to have 

 been first introduced into Hawaii early in the 19th century (49, p. 32). 



Nutritive Value: The small quantities of lemons and limes used in 

 the average diet make their nutritive value of minor importance. Both 

 yield an alkaline ash in the body because their high acidity is due to 

 citric acid and basic salts of citric acid. Both fruits are good anti- 

 scorbutics but lemons are superior to limes. 



Supply: The season is the same as that of oranges, October, Nov- 

 ember and December, although they are produced in small quantities 

 during most of the year. There is usually a period of one or two months 

 in the spring when they are not obtainable. 



Use: The juice of the lemon makes a very refreshing iced drink, 

 used alone or in combination with other fruit juice. It is combined 

 with or served with a great many other foods in order to improve their 

 flavor. 



