Lemons are primarily sour, not sweet.
The Sourness of Lemons
The dominant taste of a lemon is sour. This sourness is due to the high concentration of citric acid, a weak organic acid found naturally in lemons and other citrus fruits. As the reference states, "they pack some serious sour power". While lemons may have a hint of sweetness depending on ripeness and variety, the sourness overwhelmingly defines their taste profile.
Understanding the Taste Profile
- Sourness: The primary taste sensation from citric acid.
- Sweetness: A subtle component, often overshadowed by the sourness. The level of sweetness can vary depending on the lemon's ripeness and variety.
- Other Flavors: Lemons also possess subtle bitter and aromatic notes that contribute to their overall complex flavor.
Many recipes that use lemons often balance the sourness with sweetness from added sugar or other ingredients. This highlights the fact that the inherent taste of a lemon is predominantly sour.
