It depends on what you value most: juice yield or convenience. Research suggests smaller lemons often offer more juice per dollar.
Juice vs. Convenience: The Lemon Size Dilemma
The question of whether small lemons are "good" is subjective and depends on individual needs and priorities. Let's break it down:
Advantages of Small Lemons:
- Higher Juice Yield: Studies show that smaller lemons can provide more juice per unit cost, making them a more economical choice. This means you get more bang for your buck, although it may require more effort to juice them.
- Flavor Concentration (Potentially): While not definitively proven, some believe smaller lemons may have a more concentrated flavor. This is anecdotal and requires further research.
Disadvantages of Small Lemons:
- More Work: Juicing many small lemons can be more time-consuming than juicing a few large ones.
- Inconsistent Size and Quality: The size of lemons can vary considerably even within the same batch, leading to inconsistencies in juice yield.
The Economic Advantage:
A key takeaway from research is the potential cost savings. While smaller lemons require more effort to juice, you get a higher juice-to-cost ratio. This makes them a practical choice for those who prioritize value for money. [Source: Research indicates that it's usually a better bargain to buy smaller lemons: you get more juice for your money. It means a little more labor on your part, though.03-Sept-2011]
In conclusion, the "goodness" of small lemons is relative. They offer a potential economic advantage in terms of juice yield but demand more manual effort.