Lemon vs. Citron: What's the Difference?
Edited by Aimie Carlson || By Janet White || Updated on October 11, 2023
A lemon is a bright yellow citrus fruit with a sour taste, while a citron is a larger, less juicy citrus fruit with a thick, rough rind.
Key Differences
Lemon and citron are both citrus fruits, yet they differ in many ways. The lemon is easily recognizable with its bright yellow color and is widely used in culinary and non-culinary contexts globally. Known for its zesty flavor and aroma, the lemon is integral in many dishes, desserts, and drinks. Citron, however, is a larger fruit with a more oblong shape and possesses a thick, rough, and bumpy rind.
When it comes to the inner texture, lemons have a juicy pulp that's high in acidity, making it a popular choice for juices, marinades, or even as garnishes. The sharp tang of a lemon adds a fresh burst of flavor to dishes. Contrarily, the citron has a much drier pulp and is less juicy. Its primary culinary value resides in its thick rind which, when candied, is used in baking and various desserts.
Looking at the historical context, lemons have been cultivated for over a thousand years and have deep-rooted significance in many cultures. Lemons are rich in vitamin C and have been praised for their potential health benefits. Citron, being one of the original citrus species, has its origins in the regions of India and Southeast Asia. Due to its symbolic significance, citron is also used in some religious ceremonies.
From a cultivation standpoint, lemon trees are more commonly grown and are found in various parts of the world due to their adaptability and demand. The fruit is generally available throughout the year. Citron trees, in contrast, are less commonly cultivated, and the fruit is less commercially available. Its unique appearance and lesser-known uses make citron a less common sight in standard markets compared to lemons.
Comparison Chart
Appearance
Bright yellow, usually round
Oblong, with a thick and bumpy rind
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Taste and Juiciness
Sour and juicy
Less juicy with a slightly sweet taste
Common Use
Juices, cooking, garnish
Candied rind for baking and desserts
Historical Origin
Cultivated for over a thousand years
One of the original citrus species
Availability
Widely available
Less commonly available
Lemon and Citron Definitions
Lemon
A yellow citrus fruit known for its sour taste.
She squeezed the lemon into her tea.
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Citron
A fruit used in some religious ceremonies.
The citron holds special significance in certain traditions.
Lemon
Something that is defective or disappointing.
That used car turned out to be a lemon.
Citron
An original species of citrus fruit.
Citron is believed to be one of the ancient citrus fruits.
Lemon
A bright yellow color resembling the fruit.
She painted her room a refreshing lemon hue.
Citron
A fruit with a distinct rough and bumpy texture.
You can distinguish a citron from its textured skin
Lemon
A source of vitamin C and acidity.
Lemons are often used to preserve foods.
Citron
A thorny evergreen shrub or small tree (Citrus medica) native to India and widely cultivated for its large lemonlike fruits that have a thick warty rind.
Lemon
A spiny evergreen tree (Citrus limon) native to Asia, widely cultivated for its oval yellow fruit.
Citron
The fruit of this plant, whose rind is often candied and used in confections and fruitcakes.
Lemon
The fruit of this tree, having an aromatic rind and juicy, acid pulp.
Citron
A globose watermelon (Citrullus lanatus var. citroides) having white flesh that is candied or pickled.
Lemon
Lemon yellow.
Citron
A grayish-green yellow.
Lemon
(Informal) One that is unsatisfactory or defective
Their new car turned out to be a lemon.
Citron
A greenish yellow colour.
Lemon
Lemon-yellow.
Citron
A small citrus tree, Citrus medica.
Lemon
Made from lemons.
Citron
The fruit of a citron tree.
Lemon
Tasting or smelling like lemons.
Citron
The candied rind of the citron fruit.
Lemon
A yellowish citrus fruit.
Citron
Of a greenish yellow colour.
Lemon
A semitropical evergreen tree, Citrus limon, that bears such fruits.
Citron
A fruit resembling a lemon, but larger, and pleasantly aromatic; it is produced by the citron tree (Citrus medica). The thick rind, when candied, is the citron of commerce. The fruit was once called the lime.
Lemon
A taste or flavour/flavor of lemons.
Citron
A citron tree, Citrus medica.
Lemon
A more or less bright shade of yellow associated with lemon fruits.
Citron
A citron melon.
Lemon
(slang) A defective or inadequate item or individual.
He didn’t realise until he’d paid for it that the car was a lemon.
Citron
Large lemonlike fruit with thick aromatic rind; usually preserved
Lemon
Favor.
A thousand quid for that motor? Do me a lemon! I could get it for half that.
Citron
Thorny evergreen small tree or shrub of India widely cultivated for its large lemonlike fruits that have thick warty rind
Lemon
(fandom) A piece of fanfiction involving explicit sex.
Citron
A large citrus fruit with a thick rind.
The citron's rind is often candied for use in desserts.
Lemon
Containing or having the flavour/flavor and/or scent of lemons.
Citron
A tree that bears the citron fruit.
He planted a citron tree next to the orange tree.
Lemon
Of the pale yellow colour/color of lemons.
Lemon
Smart; cheeky, vocal.
Lemon
(transitive) To flavour with lemon.
You can start the vegetables cooking while you are lemoning the fish.
Lemon
An oval or roundish fruit resembling the orange, and containing a pulp usually intensely acid. It is produced by a tropical tree of the genus Citrus, the common fruit known in commerce being that of the species Citrus Limonum or Citrus Medica (var. Limonum). There are many varieties of the fruit, some of which are sweet.
Lemon
The tree which bears lemons; the lemon tree.
Lemon
Yellow oval fruit with juicy acidic flesh
Lemon
A strong yellow color
Lemon
A small evergreen tree that originated in Asia but is widely cultivated for its fruit
Lemon
A distinctive tart flavor characteristic of lemons
Lemon
An artifact (especially an automobile) that is defective or unsatisfactory
Lemon
A tree that bears yellow citrus fruits.
The lemon tree in our backyard is full of ripe fruits.
FAQs
Is citron the same as lemon?
No, citron is a distinct citrus fruit with a thicker rind.
What part of the citron is usually eaten?
The thick rind of the citron is often candied and eaten.
Are lemons rich in vitamin C?
Yes, lemons are an excellent source of vitamin C.
Can you drink lemon juice directly?
While you can, it's sour, so many prefer to dilute it or add sweeteners.
Are citrons available throughout the year?
They are less commonly available compared to lemons and might be seasonal.
Can lemon juice be used as a natural cleaner?
Yes, its acidity makes it suitable for cleaning purposes.
How can I preserve lemons?
Lemons can be preserved by pickling or using them in jams.
What's the primary difference between lemon and citron?
Lemons are sour and juicy, while citrons have a thick rind and are less juicy.
What is a lemon commonly used for?
Lemons are widely used for cooking, baking, and making beverages.
Can I use citron in place of lemon in recipes?
It depends on the recipe; they have different flavors and textures.
Is citron used in any religious practices?
Yes, citron is used in the Jewish festival of Sukkot.
Are there any health benefits to consuming lemon?
Yes, lemons aid digestion, provide vitamin C, and have antioxidant properties.
How do you store lemons?
Keep them in a cool place, preferably in the refrigerator.
Can you grow a citron tree at home?
Yes, if you provide the right conditions and care.
Is citron used in any traditional medicines?
Yes, in some cultures, citron is used for its medicinal properties.
Can I make lemonade with citron?
It will have a different flavor, but you can try a citron-based drink.
How do I candy citron rind?
By boiling the rind in sugar syrup until translucent.
Is lemon essential oil extracted from lemons?
Yes, it's derived from the peel of the lemon.
What dishes is citron commonly used in?
Citron is often used in fruitcakes, pastries, and some traditional dishes.
How does a citron taste?
It has a milder taste, less juicy, and slightly sweet.
About Author
Written by
Janet WhiteJanet White has been an esteemed writer and blogger for Difference Wiki. Holding a Master's degree in Science and Medical Journalism from the prestigious Boston University, she has consistently demonstrated her expertise and passion for her field. When she's not immersed in her work, Janet relishes her time exercising, delving into a good book, and cherishing moments with friends and family.
Edited by
Aimie CarlsonAimie Carlson, holding a master's degree in English literature, is a fervent English language enthusiast. She lends her writing talents to Difference Wiki, a prominent website that specializes in comparisons, offering readers insightful analyses that both captivate and inform.
