Lemon: A Global History

Edible

by Toby Sonneman

You can squeeze it, zest it, slice it, juice it, pickle it, or even take a bite out of it as Sicilians do. Adding freshness and flavor to food and drinks, this versatile sour fruit, also known for resolving diverse health and household troubles, has long been considered vital to Mediterranean and European cookery and cuisine.
  
A Global History tells the story of the remarkable adventure of the lemon, starting with its fragrant and mysterious ancestor, the citron, adored by the Greeks and Romans for its fine perfume and sacred to many of the world’s great religions. The lemon traveled with Arabs along ancient trade routes, came of age in Sicily and Italy, and sailed to the New World with Columbus. It was an exotic luxury in seventeenth-century Europe and later went on to save the lives of thousands of sailors in the British Royal Navy after being recognized as a cure for scurvy. The last century saw the lemon’s rise to commercial success in a California citrus empire as well as the discovery of new varieties. This book also includes delicious recipes for sweet and savory dishes and beverages.

Genres: Food, Nonfiction, History, Food and Drink, Cookbooks

141 pages, Hardcover

First published September 15, 2012

Reviews

[Wealhtheow · Rating 3 out of 5]

A short overview of the uses and views of the lemon throughout history. All citrus fruits come from just three species that originally grew in the joined continent of Asia and Australia. Most of the lemon's genetic heritage comes from the citron, which originally grew in India and was brought to the Middle East and thence the Mediterranean. As Roman and Jewish people spread throughout Europe, they brought with them an appreciation (and willingness to pay high prices for) the citron, thus spreading citrus. From then on, lemons were a rare and coveted treat. They became more obtainable after explorers brought citrus to the Americas and glass windows were invented. Lemons were still a high-status fruit--more water was used for Louis XIV's famed orangery than for all of Paris--but now they were obtainable throughout the year. Lemons went on to be much appreciated by sailors (to combat the dreaded scurvy), California (their lemons brought them great fame and fortune) and temperance societies.

Like the rest of the Edible series, this is lightweight and without much of a thesis. Sonneman tosses together a series of historical moments, loosely organized by time period. I think I would have enjoyed this more if I'd picked it up periodically instead of reading it all the way through; that way the lack of flow or binding idea would not have bothered me.

[Mihalachi Mihai · Rating 4 out of 5]

E o enciclopedie bine documentată cu o bibliografie bogată. O recomand celor care vor să afle cum lămîia a salvat mii de oameni de o boală care a făcut ravagii mai bine de 300 de ani, pentru cei curioși de istoria, modul în care se poate folosi, importanța, caracteristicile, rețete pe bază de lămîie.
Recunosc că nu am sărit pe lămîile din magazin de îndată de am terminat cartea dar e o lectură interesantă și ușoară.

[Vince Deuschel · Rating 5 out of 5]

For those of you interested in cooking and the infinite items to cook with, Reaktion’s Edible Series can’t be beat. Short (110-130 pages), well written, and entertaining history of a particular food item, like lemons. There are always recipes, sometimes sources and often suggested readings. Lemons was no exception. I always learn something and often make a thing of two!

[William Paley · Rating 3 out of 5]

Wee book, quick read, back of the book has some recipes which I admittedly didn't try out. It gives a good idea of the details of the lemon in human history and cuisine.

[Julaine · Rating 4 out of 5]

Excellent short book that was easy to read. Made me want a cold glass of lemonade!

[Stella · Rating 3 out of 5]

A decent introduction to the history of this popular fruit. Brief and quite readable with recipes in the back.

[Mirani Litster · Rating 3 out of 5]

An enjoyable quick read, like all in the edible series. This book covers the broader history, starting with the citron, before moving into the early history of the lemon. Well balanced with enough anecdotes, details and broader themes to maintain interest. I especially enjoyed reading about Meyer—I have often wished that Meyer Lemons were more readily available here in Canberra. Such a gorgeous, fragrant fruit !

[Theresa · Rating 4 out of 5]

I learned a lot about lemons, though I would not count this book as an in depth look at lemons' history. It was easy to read and moved quickly. I enjoyed the stories of key figures, like the man behind the Meyer lemon and appreciated learning how lemons played special roles in religions and cultures. I'm now curious about others in the series.

[Karen · Rating 3 out of 5]

learned a lot, got some good lemon growing tips (unlike oranges, lemons do not need sun in the winter, just warmth), learned that USDA employee Frank Meyer introduced 2,500 species to the US (including the lemon named in his honor, soybeans, apricots, and ginko). Book made me look at lemons differently.

[Sesana · Rating 2 out of 5]

Even more slight than most of the Edible books.

[Nefertari · Rating 3 out of 5]

A lovely history of the fruit and its role in human society - a good addition to the microhistory genre!