The answer is that lemon is sour, not bitter.
Lemon's Flavor Profile
Lemons are well-known for their distinctive taste. The primary component contributing to their characteristic flavor is citric acid.
- According to the provided reference, lemons contain approximately 5 to 6 percent citric acid juice.
- This high concentration of citric acid results in a low pH of around 2.2.
- The low pH level is what gives lemons their unmistakably sour taste.
Why Lemons Aren't Bitter
While some citrus fruits might have a slightly bitter aftertaste due to compounds in their peel, the primary taste sensation associated with lemons is sourness. The acidic nature of lemons overshadows any minor bitterness that might be present. The focus is overwhelmingly on the sour aspect of their flavor profile.
Key Characteristics
To summarize, let's look at the primary flavor characteristic of a lemon:
| Flavor | Explanation |
|---|---|
| Sour | Due to the high concentration of citric acid and low pH (roughly 2.2). |
| Bitter | Not a dominant or primary flavor. Any bitterness is negligible. |
