Rubra sour lemon

The cidra lemon tree Rubra owes its name to the color of its bark and its pulp when ripe (rubra in Latin means red). The fact that this variety is named in Latin indicates that it is an ancient hybrid, known in the Mediterranean for centuries, although of uncertain origin.

The fruit is medium to large in size, rounded but with a pronounced and pointed apical nipple that gives it a fusiform appearance. Its skin is quite thick, orange in color and rough in its early growth stages, becoming smoother at maturity. The albedo is not edible, as it is spongy and bitter, although it is aromatic. The flesh is pale orange, not very juicy and acidic, with a taste distinct from that of lemon. It is better if harvested before full maturity, in order to enjoy the color of the skin and a juicier flesh.

The crust-albedo set could be used for flavoring drinks, and the separated pulp in wedges can be added to salads.