When Life Gives You Lemons

Dwarf Meyer Lemon 2/14/12

I have always loved the scent of lemons. I grow Lemon Verbena  (Aloysia triphylla)  and Lemon Balm (Melissa officinalis), both perennial herbs, simply for the pleasure of the lemony fragrance from their crushed leaves. Although I know the herbs have various medicinal and culinary uses, I have yet to try them in recipes.

And while I love lemons, I had been reluctant to plant a lemon tree, because they are not as cold tolerant as some of the other citrus. My kumquat and orange trees do fine in my Zone 9b climate.

Dwarf Meyer Lemon Tree 12/30/12

We can usually expect some nights of light to heavy frost in the winter months, and I always cover the tender plants when frost is in the forecast. Tomorrow night's predicted low is for 29º F so we will be bringing out the blankets to cover the little Meyer lemon tree. I could use Christmas lights, but covering it with a blanket is easy enough for now.

The tree, a Valentine's gift from last year, was loaded with baby lemons in February and even a couple of mature lemons. I didn't have the heart to thin off all those little lemons, and as you can see, I had a very nice first crop.

For now the tree is growing happily in a pot on the patio.
The Meyer, a cross between a lemon and orange, is not as astringent as other lemons.  And I can hardly wait to make use of this delicious fruit. So when I heard about the Fruit Infusion pitcher, available at various home stores, I thought it would be perfect for lemon water. And I'm a sucker for gimmicky gadgets.

I sliced one lemon to fill the insert and then filled the pitcher with water. It makes a very refreshing beverage that will hopefully encourage me to drink more liquids. Strawberries or raspberries can also be used to flavor iced tea. Cucumber water would be good on warm summer days, and perhaps I will use some of the Lemon Verbena for a healthful drink. Sometimes gadgets actually are useful!

Here's to good health in the new year!