Lemon, Lime & Citron Varieties in the USA

1. Lemon Varieties

Eureka Lemon
The Eureka lemon was developed in Los Angeles around 1858, originating from Italian cultivars, and became widely available by 1877. It is well-regarded for its aromatic, oily rind, balanced sweet-tart flavor, and consistent size—attributes that make it one of the two primary commercial lemon varieties in the U.S. (Specialty Produce, 2025; TasteAtlas, n.d.).

Meyer Lemon (Citrus × meyeri)
Discovered in a Chinese village and brought to the U.S. by USDA explorer Frank Meyer in 1908, the Meyer lemon is a hybrid between a lemon and a mandarin or orange. Characterized by its deep yellow-orange skin, sweeter taste, and floral notes, it gained popularity in American kitchens, especially in the 1970s (Shop Foodocracy, n.d.; US Citrus Nursery, 2018).

Other Lemon Varieties

• Ponderosa Lemon: A lemon–citron hybrid known for its large, thick-rinded, pear-like fruit, commonly used as an ornamental.
• Bearss (Tahiti) Lemon, Santa Teresa (Sorrento), Avalon, Genoa, and Dorshapo are less common but still cultivated for juice or niche markets (AllRecipes, 2020; ShortFoodBlog, 2023).

2. Lime Varieties

Key Lime (Citrus × aurantiifolia)
Believed to have arrived in the Americas via Spain and Portugal in the 16th century, the Key lime became prominent in Florida in the 1800s. Small, intensely tart, and aromatic, it is central to traditional Key lime pie, though commercial production in the Florida Keys declined after a devastating hurricane in 1926 (HomeDiningKitchen, n.d.; Florida Keys Weekly, 2018; Britannica, n.d.).

Persian Lime (Citrus × latifolia)
Also known as Bearss or Tahitian lime, this variety has larger, seedless fruit with a milder flavor and thicker skin. It has largely supplanted Key limes in commercial supply chains (Arianarecipes.com, 2023).

Additional Small-scale or Specialty Limes

• Kaffir (Makrut) Lime: Prized for aromatic leaves in Southeast Asian cuisine.
• Finger Lime: Known for its caviar-like juice vesicles, used as a gourmet ingredient (FoodReference.com, n.d.; Arianarecipes.com, 2023).

3. Citron Varieties

Buddha’s Hand Citron (Citrus medica var. sarcodactylis)
Characterized by its finger-like segments and fragrant zest, this citron originates from China or India. It is cultivated ornamentally in warm U.S. climates like California and Florida, valued more for its aroma and aesthetic appeal than its culinary uses (AllRecipes, 2020; ShortFoodBlog, 2023).

Etrog (Citrus medica)
Traditionally grown for religious observance during Sukkot, Etrog cultivation in the U.S. is rare, often maintained only in niche or heritage settings (ShortFoodBlog, 2023).

Summary Table

Cultivation Notes

• Lemons such as Eureka thrive year-round in USDA zones 9–11, while Meyer lemons can also be grown in containers in cooler zones (ShunCy, 2024).
• Key Lime production in Florida has shifted largely abroad, with most commercial demand now met through imports. However, its historical and cultural significance remains strong (FlavoryCooking.com, 2024).
• Buddha’s Hand citrons are increasingly valued in niche markets for their ornamental qualities and aromatic zest, though commercial U.S. cultivation remains limited (AllRecipes, 2020).

References

AllRecipes. (2020, February 14). What is a Meyer Lemon and how is it different from a regular lemon?
Arianarecipes.com. (2023). Why is it called Key Lime?
HomeDiningKitchen. (n.d.). The Origin of Key Limes: Unraveling the Mystery of Key West’s iconic fruit.
Shop Foodocracy. (n.d.). A brief history of the Meyer Lemon.
ShunCy. (2024, March 22). Eureka Lemon tree: Facts and growing tips for citrus enthusiasts.
ShortFoodBlog. (2023, January). The great lemon debate: Uncovering the distinctions between Meyer’s lemons and regular lemons.
Specialty Produce. (2025, January 22). Eureka lemons information and facts.
TasteAtlas. (n.d.). Eureka Lemon—Local Lemon from Los Angeles.
US Citrus Nursery. (2018, August 25). The History of the Meyer Lemon in America.