Lemons are primarily sour. They are characterized by their tart and acidic taste due to their high concentration of citric acid.
While the overall flavor profile is sour, a few contributing factors are worth noting:
- Acidity: The defining characteristic of lemons is their high acidity, which creates the sour taste.
- Bitterness: The lemon's pith (the white membrane under the peel) can impart a slight bitterness. This isn't the dominant flavor, but it contributes to the overall taste experience.
- Lack of Sweetness: Compared to fruits like oranges or apples, lemons have very little natural sugar, hence their lack of sweetness.
Therefore, the overwhelmingly dominant taste sensation when consuming a lemon is sourness.
