Q: What is a Meyer lemon?
A: A Meyer lemon is a unique hybrid between a lemon and a tangerine, distinguished by its lower acidity and sweeter taste compared to traditional lemons like Eureka or Lisbon. Its notable orange hue and rounded shape set it apart.
Meyer lemon peel is abundant in essential oils, which contribute a distinctive, aromatic citrus scent and flavor that is more nuanced and less sharp than that of regular lemons. Preserving the entire lemon ensures these essential oils are retained, enriching dishes with complex citrus notes.
Meyer lemons thrive in California's coastal regions, where we source our Meyer lemons from organic, family-owned farms in Sonoma and Monterey counties.
Our commitment to quality leads us to select even the imperfect fruits, valuing flavor over appearance, as we utilize the entire lemon—skin, seeds, and all—in our preservation process. We barrel age the citrus for up to three years before hand blending into a paste.
Many grocery stores will not buy imperfect fruit from family farms, often resulting in unused or discarded citrus and less income for farmers.
Q: Are preserved lemons the same as lemon preserves?
A: No, preserved lemons and lemon preserves are distinct products. Lemon preserves typically involve cooking fruit with sugar, lemon juice, and zest, creating a sweet condiment.
On the other hand, preserved lemon is a product of salt-curing, a traditional technique from the Middle East and Morocco. This method enhances the lemon's natural flavors by fermenting it in salt and its own juice, transforming the sugars into lactic acid. This process softens the rind, eliminates bitterness, and produces a preserved lemon that acts as a concentrated flavor enhancer for a range of dishes, adding a burst of umami and brightness.
Q: What distinguishes your preserved lemon paste from whole preserved lemons?
A: Our Preserved Meyer Lemon Paste offers convenience by saving time and eliminating ingredients without compromising flavor. Unlike whole preserved lemons, which often require discarding the pulp and chopping the rind to add to a recipe, our paste is ready to use straight from the jar, ensuring a balance of tangy, sweet, and umami flavors in every dish. Crafted from 100% California-grown Meyer lemons, If & When is a versatile, zero-waste product supporting local, sustainable agriculture.
Q: Why do you add spices to your preserved lemon blends?
A: We cure citrus in sea salt and spices to save our customers time, effort and ingredients in the kitchen without compromising flavor. Curing the Meyers with the spices and barrel aging for up to three years lends our Lemon Paste a deeper, richer flavor.
Our three blends: Moroccan, Bay Leaf and Cumin Garlic, are crafted with a carefully selected mix of spices that elevate the natural sweetness and complexity of Meyer lemons.
In our Moroccan blend, the addition of exotic spices like cinnamon and allspice complements the Meyer lemon's inherent sweetness, creating a rich, multidimensional flavor profile that's aromatic and savory.
The Cumin Garlic blend marries the warmth of cumin with the pungency of garlic, infusing meals with a deep, earthy flavor that’s perfect for hearty dishes.
Meanwhile, our Bay Leaf blend adds a subtle layer of herbal freshness, enhancing the citrus notes of the Meyer lemon with the distinct, slightly floral aroma of bay leaves.
These spices are more than just seasonings; they're an invitation to explore new culinary landscapes, adding depth and character to cooking.
Q: How does being a woman-owned business influence your products?
A. As a 100% woman-owned small business, we prioritize integrity, sustainability, and community in every aspect of our operations. Our commitment to these values shapes our approach to producing Preserved Meyer Lemon Paste, from sourcing ingredients from local, organic, family-owned farms to curing locally and adopting zero-waste practices.
Q: Can you tell me more about your commitment to zero waste?
A: Our zero-waste philosophy is integral to our production process. We use every part of the Meyer lemon—skin, seeds, and all—to ensure no waste. Our preservation process transforms citrus into a flavorful paste, maximizing the fruit's potential and minimizing our environmental footprint. This approach not only respects the resources we use, but aligns with our mission to offer eco-conscious culinary solutions.
Q: Why is it important that your product is 100% California made and grown?
A: Being 100% California made and grown is central to our identity and mission. By sourcing from local, organic family-farms, we support the California economy, reduce our carbon footprint, and ensure the highest quality ingredients for our Preserved Meyer Lemon Paste. This dedication to local sourcing and manufacturing celebrates the best of California's natural resources, culinary innovation and rich agricultural heritage.
