Citrus limonia Osb.

ORIGIN DATA:

The Volkamer Lemon is not really a lemon, but an acid mandarin resulting from a natural hybridization between an Ancient Mandarin and a Citron. It was described in Italy in the 17th century, and owes its name to J.C. Volkamer, a German botanist born in the 17th century who in the early 18th century wrote a great treatise on citrus fruits. Its origin is unknown, but since its parents have been determined, it is assumed to be of Asian origin, like the rest of the acid mandarins. Its main use is as a rootstock for other citrus, especially lemon trees.

TREE AND FRUIT DESCRIPTION:

Vigorous tree, with rounded shape and open growth, but not very large. Leaves rather small and elliptical. Spherical or slightly rounded fruits, of medium size and characterized by an apical mamelon usually surrounded by areola. Thin, semi-rough and aromatic rind. Intense yellow color, reaching orange at the end of maturity. Juicy flesh, acid and bitter, fresh and aromatic, orange-yellow. It has numerous seeds.

USES:

Excellent substitute for lemon, bringing another character to dishes.