Picking a lemon at the perfect time makes all the difference. You want to know exactly when is a lemon ready to pick for the best flavor. If you pick to early, you get a sour, dry fruit. Too late, and it can be pithy or even rot on the branch. This guide will show you the clear, simple signs of a perfectly ripe lemon.
Citrus trees, especially lemons, are generous but they don’t rush. Unlike some fruit, lemons can stay on the tree for weeks in good condition once ripe. This gives you a nice harvesting window. The key is knowing what to look for beyond just color.
When Is A Lemon Ready To Pick
This is the main question. The answer isn’t just one thing, but a combination of clues. Your eyes, hands, and even the calendar all play a part. Let’s break down the primary indicators that your lemon is ready for the kitchen.
The Color Test: It’s Not Just About Yellow
Many people think a green lemon is unripe and a yellow one is ready. It’s a good start, but it’s not the whole story. Lemons actually ripen from the inside out. A lemon can be fully juicy and flavorful inside while still showing some green on the outside.
- Look for a rich, glossy yellow. A dull, pale yellow or greenish hue often means it needs more time.
- Check for even coloring. The entire fruit should be transitioning to yellow, not just one side.
- Remember, some lemon varieties, like Meyer lemons, will have a deeper, almost orange-yellow hue when fully ripe.
The Touch and Feel Test
How the lemon feels in your hand is a fantastic ripeness indicator. Gently pick up the fruit and give it a slight squeeze. Don’t use your nails or squeeze too hard.
- Firmness: A ripe lemon will feel firm but with a slight give. It should not be rock hard.
- Texture: The skin should feel smooth and taut. If it feels soft, spongy, or wrinkled, it is overripe or may have internal issues.
- Weight: A ripe lemon feels heavy for its size. This heaviness signals it’s full of juice.
The Size and Shape Check
Your lemons should reach the typical size for their variety before you consider picking. A Eureka lemon will be larger than a Meyer, for instance.
Look for a plump, well-rounded shape. Lemons that are ready have filled out nicely. If they still look a bit skinny or angular, they likely need more time on the tree to swell with juice.
Understanding “Days to Maturity”
This is a helpful guideline from when the flower was pollinated. Most standard lemons take 4 to 12 months to mature after flowering! This is why you often see flowers and fruit on the tree at the same time. Keep a rough mental note of when you saw blooms.
The Ultimate Test: The Taste Sample
If you’re still unsure after the color and feel tests, it’s okay to pick one lemon as a tester. This is the most reliable method.
- Choose a lemon that looks most ready.
- Cut it open carefully. The inside should look juicy, not dry.
- Taste a small piece. Is it sour but flavorful? Or is it bitter and dry? A good ripe lemon has a bright, vibrant sourness.
If the test lemon is good, others of similar size and color on the tree are probably ready too. If it’s not great, wait a few more weeks and test again.
How to Pick Lemons Correctly
Once you’ve identified a ripe lemon, you need to harvest it properly to avoid damaging the tree or the fruit.
The Right Technique
Never just pull a lemon straight off the branch. This can tear the rind or damage the stem end (the “button”), which leads to quick rotting. It can also harm the branch itself, called a spur, that produces fruit year after year.
- Hold the lemon gently in one hand.
- With your other hand, use garden clippers or a sharp knife.
- Cut the stem about half an inch above the fruit’s top. You want to leave a little bit of stem attached to the lemon.
This clean cut protects the fruit’s integrity and the tree’s health. Always use clean tools to prevent spreading disease between plants.
Timing Your Harvest
The best time of day to pick lemons is in the late morning, after the dew has dried but before the afternoon heat. The fruit is dry, which helps prevent mold during storage. Cool, dry weather is ideal for harvesting.
What to Do After Picking
Freshly picked lemons don’t always need to go straight into the fridge. How you handle them depends on your plans.
Short-Term Storage
For use within a week or two, store ripe lemons at cool room temperature away from direct sunlight. A fruit bowl on the counter is fine. For longer storage, up to a month or more, place them in a plastic bag in the refrigerator’s crisper drawer.
Washing and Prepping
It’s a good idea to gently wash your homegrown lemons in cool water to remove any dust or residues. Pat them dry thoroughly before storing. If you have a large harvest, consider preserving the juice or zest.
- Freezing Juice: Juice the lemons and pour the juice into ice cube trays. Once frozen, transfer the cubes to a freezer bag.
- Zest: Use a fine grater to remove the zest (the yellow outer skin) before juicing. Dry it or freeze it for later use in recipes.
Common Problems and Solutions
Sometimes, things don’t go as planned. Here’s how to troubleshoot common issues.
Lemons Falling Off Early
If small, green fruits are dropping, it’s often a natural thinning process. The tree sheds some fruit to support the rest. If larger fruits fall, it could be due to underwatering, overwatering, or a sudden temperature change. Ensure consistent, deep watering.
Thick, Puffy Rinds
This is often caused by too much nitrogen fertilizer or irregular watering. The tree puts energy into the rind instead of the pulp. Switch to a balanced, citrus-specific fertilizer and maintain a steady watering schedule.
Fruit Staying Green for a Long Time
Patience is key. Cool weather can slow color change. As long as the fruit feels heavy and firm, it’s probably maturing. It will eventually turn yellow, especially as temperatures warm.
FAQ: Your Lemon Picking Questions Answered
Can you pick lemons when they are green?
Yes, sometimes. If the fruit is full-sized, heavy, and has been on the tree for many months, it may be ripe inside even if slightly green. The taste test is crucial here. However, a completely hard, dark green lemon is not ready.
How long do lemons last after picking?
At room temperature, they last 1-2 weeks. In the fridge, they can last a month or even longer. Once cut, use within a few days.
Do lemons ripen after they are picked?
No, they do not. Unlike bananas or avocados, lemons will not get sweeter or juicier after harvest. They may change color slightly (from green to yellow) due to chlorophyll breaking down, but their flavor and juice content are set at picking. This is why timing is so important.
What time of year are lemons ready to pick?
This depends on your climate and the lemon variety. In many warm climates, lemons can produce fruit year-round, with a main harvest in late winter to early spring. In cooler areas, the harvest is more concentrated in the colder months.
How can you tell if a lemon is bad?
Signs of a bad lemon include:
- Soft spots or significant squishiness.
- A wrinkled, shriveled skin.
- Visible mold (often white or green fuzz).
- An off or fermented smell.
When in doubt, throw it out. It’s better to be safe than sorry with spoiled fruit.
Picking your own homegrown lemons at the peak of ripeness is incredibly satisfying. By using these simple tests—looking for a deep color, feeling for a firm heaviness, and doing the occasional taste check—you’ll harvest fruit with the perfect balance of bright acid and rich flavor. Remember to use sharp, clean tools and store your bounty properly. With a little practice, you’ll know instinctively when is a lemon ready to pick from your tree.