Blood Lemons - Exotic Fruit

What are blood lemons?

Blood lemons are a cross between a regular lemon and a blood orange. They have a dark red, almost purple skin and intense red flesh. Their flavor is sweet and sour, reminiscent of a mix between lemon and raspberry.

The blood lemon originates from Sicily and has been cultivated there for centuries. However, its cultivation has now spread to other Mediterranean regions, such as Spain and Greece. Blood lemons are a rarity in Germany, but you'll regularly find them in our Obstwelt range.

The health benefits of blood lemons

In addition to their distinctive appearance and taste, blood lemons also have a number of health benefits:

High vitamin C content

Like all citrus fruits, blood lemons are very rich in vitamin C. Just one medium-sized fruit provides our daily requirement of this important antioxidant. Vitamin C strengthens our immune system, promotes collagen formation, and supports wound healing.

How to incorporate blood lemons into your daily routine

Blood lemons have a variety of uses in the kitchen. Here are a few ideas:

Fruit juices and smoothies

Freshly squeezed blood lemon juice is a true vitamin booster. You can drink it pure or blend it with other fruits and vegetables to make delicious smoothies.

Salads and dressings

The acidity of blood lemons pairs perfectly with salads. Simply sprinkle some juice over them or use it in a fruity vinaigrette.

Marinades and dips

Blood lemon juice adds a wonderful flavor to marinades, dips, and sauces. It pairs particularly well with fish, poultry, and Mediterranean dishes.

Baked chicken breast with blood lemons and herbs

The slightly sweet acidity of blood lemons pairs wonderfully with poultry. Combined with fresh herbs, the chicken becomes particularly juicy and aromatic.

Ingredients (for 2 people)

• 2 chicken breast fillets (approx. 150-200 g each)
• 2 blood lemons
• 2–3 tablespoons olive oil
• 1–2 garlic cloves , finely chopped
• 1 tsp honey (or brown sugar)
• Fresh herbs as desired (e.g. rosemary, thyme or oregano)
• salt and pepper

preparation

1. Mix the marinade :

   • Squeeze the juice of a blood lemon.
   • Mix together with olive oil, chopped garlic, honey, salt and pepper in a bowl.
   • Add a few needles of rosemary or leaves of thyme/oregano and mix everything together.

2. Marinate chicken :

   • Place the chicken breast fillets in the marinade and rub everything in well.
   • Ideally, let it sit in the refrigerator for 15–30 minutes (or up to 2 hours).

3. Preheat oven :

   • Preheat to 190 °C (top and bottom heat) or 170 °C fan-assisted.

4. Place chicken and lemon slices in the dish :

   • Lightly grease a baking dish or line it with baking paper.
   • Add the marinated chicken breasts.
   • Slice the second blood lemon and place it on or next to the chicken breasts.

5. Bake :

   • Place the dish in the preheated oven and cook the chicken for approximately 20–25 minutes (depending on the thickness of the meat), until cooked through. Baste with a little marinade or meat juices occasionally to keep the meat moist.
   • Shortly before the end of the cooking time, you can turn on the grill so that the surface browns slightly (be careful not to let it get too dark).

6. Serving :

   • Serve chicken with the baked blood lemon slices.
   • Rice, potatoes or grilled vegetables are suitable as side dishes.
   • Sprinkle with some fresh parsley or other herbs.

Tip : The baked lemon slices are also edible. They taste pleasantly soft and slightly caramelized.

Baked chicken breast with blood lemons : A hearty oven-baked dish in which the aroma of blood lemons harmonizes wonderfully with herbs.

Desserts and baked goods

Blood lemons also work wonderfully in sweet dishes. Try them in cakes, tarts, creams, or ice cream creations.

Drinks

In addition to fruit juices, blood lemons can also be incorporated into cocktails, lemonades, or teas. They add a refreshing touch to any beverage.

Whether sweet or savory, blood lemons take any meal to a new level with their unique flavor and health benefits. So go ahead and give them a try!

Blood Lemon Lemonade

Ingredients (for about 4 glasses)

• 3–4 blood lemons (depending on the amount of juice)
• 800 ml cold water (still or sparkling)
• 2–3 tablespoons sugar or honey (adjust to taste)
• Some ice cubes
• a few mint leaves or basil leaves for garnishing

preparation

1. Squeeze lemons :
   • Wash blood lemons thoroughly.
   • Squeeze by hand or with a lemon squeezer. If you like, you can finely grate some lemon zest and add it later for even more flavor.
2. Sweeten :
   • Pour the freshly squeezed juice into a carafe.
   • Stir in sugar or honey until dissolved. If necessary, add a small splash of hot water beforehand to help the sugar dissolve.
3. Fill with water :
   • Add cold water and stir well.
4. Serving :
   • Put some ice cubes in glasses and pour the lemonade over them.
   • Decorate with mint leaves or basil leaves.

Tip : If you like it a little more bitter, you can replace some of the water with sparkling mineral water or tonic water.

Blood Lemon Lemonade : A refreshing drink that delights with its light sweetness and intense color.