Lemons were originally developed as a cross between the lime and the citron and are thought to have originated in China or India, having been cultivated in these regions for about 2,500 years. Their first introduction to Europe was by Arabs who brought them to Spain in the 11th century around the same time that they were introduced into Northern Africa. The Crusaders, who found the fruit growing in Palestine, are credited with bringing the lemon to other countries across Europe. Like many other fruits and vegetables, lemons were brought to the Americas by Christopher Columbus in his second voyage to the New World in 1493, and have been grown in Florida since the 16th century.

Lemons can be used literally hundreds of ways. People all over the world enjoy lemon flavored foods and beverages. Lemons have a pleasant aroma, and most varieties have a tart taste. Cakes, cookies, fruit ices, salads and various fish and meat dishes are flavored with the juice and oil. Lemon aromas are made from the oil and used in many household cleaning products, such as soap, shampoo, perfume and cosmetics. Many beverages incorporate a variety of lemon juice and puree ingredients. Lemon is truly a global flavor today.

Lemons contain unique flavonoid compounds that have antioxidant and anti-cancer properties. Of special interest in lemons are flavonoids called flavonol glycosides, including many kaempferol-related molecules. While these flavonoids have been shown to stop cell division in many cancer cell lines, they are perhaps most interesting for their antibiotic effects.

In addition to their unique phytonutrient properties, lemons are an excellent source of vitamin C, one of the most important antioxidants in nature. Vitamin C is one of the main antioxidants found in food and the primary water-soluble antioxidant in the body. Vitamin C travels through the body neutralizing any free radicals with which it comes into contact in the aqueous environments in the body both inside and outside cells.

Encore Fruit Marketing can provide an excellent source of lemon juice to help consumer products deliver one of the 5 A Day fruit servings.

Lemon juice is carefully processed from fresh, ripened lemons to provide the essential flavor and nutrition , in a convenient, ready to use ingredient form for processed beverage and food applications. Lemon juice is an excellent ingredient to add a fruit serving to your retail label for beverages, dairy desserts, pastries, sauces, jellies and other processed foods like nutrition bars and snacks.

Contact Encore Fruit Marketing today for product samples and information on lemon juice at www.encorefruit.com or Click Here to use our convenient Contact Form.