MEYER LEMONS -MSP

[snoboardbabe77]

In expanding my cooking skills, I decided to start "baking" and doing desserts. I dislike measuring at all, but figured this would be good for me. So, I started doing desserts and my husband would bring them to work.

I started taking requests and I got one for Lemon Bars. I've never made them and I think I found a great recipe from a blog online. However, it said that the blogger preferred meyer lemons over Eureka (apparently the standard in stores?) I had no clue.

Are these lemons I can find at Kowalskis or Cub or are they like finding key limes, difficult to find.

Can you let me know where I can find these before I trapse around the city...or am I just silly and I can find these at ANY store?

[Enso]

I've never bought them locally, and I'm kinda thinking about Seige's meat comment...don't know where the imported lemons came from or what they went through getting here.

I mean, have you ever tasted a tropical fruit from a MN store and also tasted one in situ? In most cases, no comparison! In addition, every source I've seen mentions they don't keep long.

I bring a suitcase of Meyer lemons home when I visit Louisiana at the right time of year. Put simply, they are divine! Can use them straight in many dishes without almost any added sugar. That's a very different taste profile than a Eureka. They are not interchangeable in most recipes. Oh, and the rind is much thinner--almost useless if you need zest.

Part of my last batch of Meyers were made some into preserved lemons. Yum...

[John E.]

I don't know why, but I've seen meyer lemons in two stores this week, Cub ($1.29/lb.) and Bob's Produce Ranch in Fridley (3/$1). Meyer lemons are a cross between a Eureka lemon (regular) and a mandarin orange. The meyer lemon looks more like an orange than it does a regular lemon. It still tastes like a lemon but is a little less acidic. Some people equate less acid to a more sweet taste. They're still not really sweet but a little less tart.

[snoboardbabe77]

I report back. I got the Meyer lemons at Kowalskis ($2.99/lb) b/c I was going to do a 1/2 and 1/2 with Eurekas (Supertarget-2 for $1). The recipe turned out well but I didn't use the Meyers at all. I put a little of the rind in with the Eureka rind but truthfully? I agree -- I thought it tasted like lemon pledge! I made a face. I don't know. The blogger who had the lemon bar recipe using Meyer lemons lived in a citrus state with a meyer lemon tree---but I think my recipe came out better with Eurekas! Thanks for all the help!

[puddin head]

I wish I had seen this thread before I made my meyer-lemon-pledge bars a couple weeks ago :) I was so excited to find them (through Coburn's Delivers), and the bars just had a strange, almost plasticky taste. such a bummer!

[snoboardbabe77]

Puddin head-BUMMER. I tasted the rind first-didn't really like - tasted a bit of the juice-really didn't like. Didn't use them AT ALL.

I use the Joy of Cooking adapted recipe. I want honest opinions and I received rave reviews. Lemon bars are so much easier than I thought! I added more rind (1 T. plus 1/2 T instead of just 1 T) and I think it added just enough kick/tart without going overboard. I followed the remainder of the recipe to a T. Never again will I pay $2.50 for one bar at Byerly's counter. With the other ingredients already at home, I didn't pay $2.00 for the whole pan.

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Byerly's
3777 Park Center Blvd A, St Louis Park, MN

[puddin head]

aren't they ridiculously easy? besides the meyer lemon taste, the bars were perfect, and took no time at all to make.

[Ms. Fennelbulb]

Trader Joe's also carries them.

[AmityGuy1]

The Wedge consistently has them.

[snoboardbabe77]

I KNEW this was the place to get my answer! Thanks everyone

[Foureyes137]

Lund's has them. Our coop does not (Eastside).

[soupkitten]

i saw them at eastside this week-- $1.99/lb (organic)

[Foureyes137]

Hot diggity! Nice find soupkitten...thanks.

[turtlebella]

They have them at Mississippi Market. I know that for sure, because I almost accidentally bought them instead of regular lemons! Have fun baking - lemon bars are delish!

[karakutie]

They had them at Linden HIlls co-op last time I was there.

[Seige]

I know that Byerly's in Eagan has meyer lemons. I'd expect Kowalskis to have them too. Don't know about Cub or Rainbow as I refuse to shop there (too many sightings of meat in the cereal aisle and you KNOW they just put that stuff back in the meat case. Ick!).

[snoboardbabe77]

Seige-that is too funny! I shop at Cub on University for a few ethnic items but I have to agree with you - no meat. Scary.