The BBC states that lemon trees were first introduced to Greece in 300 BC. Persian traders carried lemon trees along trade routes known as the Silk Road that ran between Asia and the Mediterranean. An illustration on a ceramic tile from the Pompeii ruins found after the 79 AD Mount Vesuvius eruption showed the established growth of lemon trees. Other records state lemon trees were introduced to Italy in year 200 and Iraq and Egypt in year 700. China inherited lemon trees after the 8th Century.
Lemons first reached England from Spain in 1289 when 15 lemons, seven oranges, pomegranates and fried fruit were presented to Queen Elenor, a Castile former princess. Lemons were integral during Middle Age well being. Locals knew lemons as “golden apples” and were traded for cloth, metal and artifacts. Many believed lemons had a healing property.
Ancients revered lemons for its health benefits. The Romans knew lemons as the “Median Apple.” Ancient Egyptians believed eating lemons and drinking lemon juice protected the body against various poisons. The writer, Athenaeus, claims that two men bitten by poisonous serpents did not have any adverse health issues because they ate lemons prior to the bite.
In 1493, Christopher Columbus introduced lemon trees to the “New World” with seeds. By 1565, the first lemon trees grew in coastal South Carolina and St. Augustine, Florida. By the 18th Century, California began growing lemon trees.
Today, major commercial growers cultivate lemon trees in Spain, Greece, Italy, Cyprus, Turkey, Lebanon, Australia, South Africa, Chile and Argentina. Streetside café lemon trees are common in Portugal. Lemon trees grow naturally in Spain, Italy and Greece.
A lemon forest exists Greece opposite the port of Poros. The Lemon Forest of Poros is the only one in Greece and sits alongside the Peloponnese shoreline. In May, the town blossoms with the fresh scent of lemon blooms.
A single lemon contains between 40 to 70 percent of one’s daily-recommended Vitamin C intake. According to Gardenguides.com, “The healing properties of a lemon include antioxidant, antiseptic, anti-spasmodic, diuretic, bactericidal, astringent, antiscorbutic, febrifuge, antifungal, antihypertensive, antiviral, insecticide and immune-stimulant properties.”
Lemons are acidic, but when consumed it alkalizes and balances the body’s Ph level. Fresh lemon juice and water in the morning is an effective liver detox drink. For a laxative effect, mix lemon juice with hot water and drink upon waking on an empty stomach. Lemons have 22 anti-cancer compounds and contains iron, calcium, vitamin-B’s, copper, magnesium, phosphorous, potassium and fiber.
As you can see lemons have a long history, just like humanity and health. With my interests piqued in health and travel, I present to you the Lemon Tree – a destination for all good things healing and amazing.