Variegated Sanguinello

The Variegated Sanguino lemon tree is the result of selecting a bud mutation that occurred in an Eureka lemon tree. In 1931, A.D. Shamel identified a branch with variegated leaves on an Eureka lemon tree in his garden in California (USA), which he propagated through grafting, leading to variegated fruits with slightly pink flesh due to the extraordinary accumulation of lycopene. The same farmer had previously selected a variegated mutation on an Eureka lemon tree at the Chase estate in California in 1911, but this one did not produce pigmented fruit.

Less vigorous tree than the original Eureka, with sparse foliage and no thorns. Leaves generally large, lanceolate, broad, and variegated. Fruits small and more rounded than the original Eureka. Striped bark, with cream and green colors as it matures. If the fruit is very ripe, pink stains may appear on the bark. Lightly pink flesh, very juicy and acidic. Except for the unusual presence of pigmentation with lycopenes, the juice is the same as that of Eureka lemons. Few seeds.

The tree has an undeniable ornamental value, which has been its main commercial use until recently, when its fruits have been introduced into haute cuisine due to their striking exterior and interior appearance.