The lemon tree has an interesting history as its true origin is unknown. It is thought to come from somewhere in northeast India. A study of its genetic origin revealed that is actually a hybrid fruit, a cross between a sour orange and the citron. The lemon tree was originally used for ornamental and medicinal purposes, even before science revealed that the fruit contained vitamin C.

Lemon seeds slowly made their way west, first entering Europe through Italy and then continuing on into the middle East. The lemon made its way to the Americas through Christopher Columbus and are still largely grown in Florida, a state whose climate is similar to that of the lemon's origin. Lemons are, of course, well known for their culinary use. The juice is widely popularly for drinking and eating, while the pulp and zest are used as flavoring in some foods.