The best part about Imperfect Produce is that you can customize your box. Add what you want, take out what you don’t. Once I saw these wild pink lemons with the yellow and green striped rinds, I had to add them. Only 0.5 percent of the lemons grown in the U.S. are Pinks. One percent are Meyers and the other 98.5 percent are Eurekas. The variegated pink lemon was discovered around 1930  on branches of an ordinary Eureka lemon tree in Burbank, California. They are also called zebra lemons due to the striped rind. It has a tangy, floral flavor and these awesome green stripes on the outside. There are very few seeds, if any in these pink lemons. The pink lemons have a high concentration of lycopene. This is the compound that gives grapefruit and tomatoes their color. Lycopene is helpful in preventing cancer, improving eyesight, improving heart health, and keeping your bones strong.

The pink lemons are naturally sweeter, which makes it perfect for lemonade. However, pink lemonade is usually made from red berries and food dye added to regular lemonade. It is important to have agricultural biodiversity, such as incorporating crops that aren’t in such a high demand. It helps farmers successfully grow food and maintain sustainable farm landscapes. Get some of these lemons next time you see them to keep the farmers in business. These lemons are usually harvested in the summer but can ripen in the late fall and early spring.

Pink lemons are a good source of vitamin C, fiber, and calcium. Use them in lemonade with a little agave or honey to sweeten the drink. They are a perfect garnish for cocktails due to their intriguing exterior.

Resources

Blue Apron. Lemons Like You’ve Never Seen

Specialty Produce. Pink Lemons.

Dr. Axe. Lycopene: A Powerful Antioxidant to Help Prevent Cancer & Keep Your Heart Healthy