A lemon is a fruit.
Understanding the Life Cycle of a Lemon
Lemons begin their life as flowers. The lemon tree flowers in the spring (Food and Tools), and some varieties even flower randomly throughout the year (Reddit - Gardening). These flowers, if pollinated successfully, develop into the fruit we know as lemons. The process from flower to ripe fruit takes approximately 9 months (Quora). Factors like climate, tree maturity (young trees may take 1-3 years to produce fruit (Food Gardening)), and proper care (fertilization, watering) influence fruit production (Melinda Myers, Gardening Know How). Sometimes, even with healthy trees, flowers may fall off before fruit develops (Reddit - Citrus).
- Flower Stage: The initial stage, necessary for fruit development.
- Fruit Stage: The mature, edible part of the plant, rich in citric acid.
Lemons are used in various ways: as a whole fruit (though less common due to acidity), zest, garnish, or juice for culinary purposes (Eating).
