Yes, the lemon fruit is edible.
While the tart and sour taste might not make it a favorite for eating whole like an apple, all parts of the lemon are indeed safe to consume, with the exception of the seeds. Lemons are commonly used in cooking and baking to add flavor and acidity.
Here's a breakdown:
- Pulp and Juice: The juice is widely used in drinks, marinades, and sauces. The pulp, while sour, is also edible.
- Zest (Rind): The outermost layer of the lemon peel, called the zest, is frequently used to add lemon flavor to baked goods and savory dishes. It provides concentrated lemon oils without the bitterness of the pith.
- Peel (with Pith): The entire peel can be candied or used in preserves. However, the white part of the peel (pith) is quite bitter and is often removed before using the peel.
- Seeds: Lemon seeds are generally not consumed due to their bitter taste and potential, although unlikely, presence of amygdalin, a compound that can convert to cyanide in small amounts.
In summary, lemons offer various edible components that contribute unique flavors to culinary creations.
