Pink lemons are a naturally occurring lemon variety with blush-pink flesh and a green-and-yellow striped rind.
The slightly sweeter, more delicate sibling of the classic yellow.
These unique lemon beauties are pink fleshed with a striking green-and-yellow striped rind.
In this ultimate guide, I’ll share what pink lemons are, where they come from, how they taste, and the best ways to use them in the kitchen.
What are Pink Lemons?
Pink lemons are a naturally occurring lemon variety with blush-colored flesh and a green-and-yellow striped rind. They’re also called Variegated Pink Lemon or pink-fleshed Eureka lemons. Their rose-hued interior resembles pink grapefruit.
Why Are Pink Lemons Pink?
Pink lemons get their pink color from a high concentration of lycopene, a naturally occurring carotenoid and powerful antioxidant. Lycopene is the same compound that gives tomatoes their deep red color and pink grapefruits their blush tone.
That unexpected preciously pink flesh makes them the queen beauties of the citrus world in my eyes.
Where do Pink Lemons Come From?
Pink lemons were first discovered in 1931 on an ordinary Eureka lemons tree in Burbank, California. They were the result of a spontaneous mutation and are now grown commercially in Southern California.
*Note: while the flesh of the lemon is pink, the juice runs clear.
What do Pink Lemons Taste Like?
Pink lemons are less acidic and sharply tart than their classic yellow counterparts. Their flavor leans subtly sweeter with a more floral, making them especially awesome in desserts.
As they ripen, they become even milder and sweeter. The green stripes on the rind begin fade while the pink flesh deepens and intensifies in color. They’re highly fragrant and typically contain few seeds, if any.
The flavor differences between pink and yellow lemons are subtle — you’ll have to develop your lemon palate to fully appreciate it. Think of pink lemons as the slightly more delicate and sweeter sibling of the standard lemon.
Pink and yellow lemons can be used interchangeably any recipe.
Cooking with Pink Lemons
Their slightly sweeter, less tart flavor makes pink lemons especially ideal in desserts like lemon bars, lemon meringue pie, lemon sorbet, and other lemon-y sweets.
Their fab pink flesh also makes them fun additions to cocktails and other drinks (boozy or not) where their color can really delight and shine.
Chef’s Tip: They lose their pretty pink color when juiced – meaning ya won’t get pink lemonade from pink lemons (fun fact: pink lemonade was created nearly 100 years before pink lemons were even discovered.)
Cook with pink lemons in all the same ways you would with their classic yellow lemon siblings.
Pink Lemon Season & Availability
Pink lemons are primarily in season from late fall through early summer, with peak harvest in the winter.
Pink lemon trees thrive in warm climates and are most commonly grown in Southern California. They can produce fruit year-round, providing a consistent multi-season supply of these pretty pink-on-the-inside and stripped-on-the-outside beauties.
In Southern California, you’re most likely to spot them at farmers markets and specialty produce stores. Trader Joe’s started carryi9ng them too!
All of the pink lemon images featured here were sourced from JJ’s Lone Daughter Ranch stand at the Santa Monica Farmers Market.
Buying & Storing Pink Lemons
Look for firm, fragrant pink lemons free of blemishes. They’ll last up to one month in the refrigerator (freezing is not recommended).
Hope this post inspired ya to get your pink lemon game on!
This unique variety of citrus is stunningly beautiful both inside and out! From their funky green and yellow variegated striped outside to their preciously pink flesh, they’ll surely delight your senses it all sorts of visual and gustatory ways!
More Pink Produce
Pink pineapple caught your eye? Same. Pink produce is kind of my love language (and purple veggies have a very special place in my heart).
Here's more pretty pink to explore:
- Pink Pineapple - yes, it's real. The engineered, lycopene-rich fruit
- Pink Apples - yes, the flesh is actually pink.
- Pink Asparagus - the rarest asparagus color of them all, and almost too pretty to cook.
- Pink Oyster Mushrooms - the glam, hot pink mushroom that cooks up even better than it looks.
- Pink Garlic - the rosy-cheeked, slightly sweeter, prettier version of this ancient pungent allium.
If you get your hands on some pretty pink lemons, tag me on Instagram, @danielagerson - I'd love to see.
There’s a whole wide world of colorful fruits and veggies out there - hope this inspires you to bring more of it home and play.
Let's make waves in the kitchen.
Your pretty pink lemon images are so super stunning! Have never seen these before and will definitely be looking for them now :)! 💗💗💗
You are too cute Jacquie! I'll bring ya some pretty pink lemons sometime :). Thanks so much for the super sweet feedback!
Subject: Inquiry Regarding Usage Rights for Pink Lemon Photograph
Dear Daniela,
I hope this message finds you well. My name is Reiko Hatori, and I am contacting you regarding your valuable photograph of a pink lemon. Upon viewing it, I believe this photo would be perfect for our promotional flyer showcasing our pink lemon products.
We are interested in acquiring the usage rights for this photograph through a licensing agreement. Could you please provide us with the following information:
Types of usage rights available (e.g., commercial use, promotional use)
Duration and geographical restrictions, if any
Fees or licensing costs associated with the usage rights
Additionally, if there are specific requirements regarding credit attribution or usage terms, please let us know.
We look forward to your prompt response. Thank you for considering our request.
Best regards,
Reiko Hatori
Sanmeiya International Co., Ltd.
[Company Website: https://www.global-smi.com/%5D
Thanks so much for reaching out Reiko and yes absolutely!! Can you please send me an email at Daniela@DanielaGersonPhotography.com? Thanks so much and looking forward :).