Lemons are too tart to eat on their own, but they are probably used more than any other fruit. Lemons are the defining flavor in many desserts, and they add zest to just about all savory dishes. Lemons grow where other citrus trees won’t. They have a lower heat requirement than sweet oranges and grapefruits.
Limes are too tart to eat on their own, but like lemons, they add a refreshing tang to both sweet and savory dishes. Limes are grown mostly in Florida, California, along the Gulf Coast, and in Mexico. Limes are the least cold-tolerant of citrus fruits. They are best grown where summers are hot and winter
Loquats are easy to grow. They produce plum-sized fruits that are sweet and tangy. Loquats are large evergreen shrubs or small trees. They can grow 20 to 30 feet tall but are usually about 10 feet tall or slightly larger. Loquat fruits are round, oval, or pear-shaped, 1 to 2 inches long with a smooth
Mango trees can grow in the home garden. The mango is native to southern Asia and eastern India. Mangoes are among the most widely cultivated fruits in the tropics. There are more than 500 hundred cultivars of mango. Some can grow more than 100 feet tall and more than 30 feet wide. Smaller dwarf cultivars
Mulberries look like blackberries, but they grow on a tree, not a bush. Mulberries are not difficult to grow once established. There are three kinds of mulberry trees: black, red, and white. Black mulberry fruit is large, 1 to 2 inches long, and juicy; they have an intense sweet-tart flavor. The tartness of black mulberry
Hyssop herb is a pretty compact perennial with spikes of blue and violet flowers. It is just at home in the perennial garden as it is in the herb garden. Hyssop is a member of the mint family. It can be used much like mint but its minty flavor is stronger than most mints so
Lavender is a traditional herb garden plant. Lavender flowers have a strong lemon-perfume flavor. Lavender flowers can be steeped for use in drinks, jellies, and ice cream. Petals can be used in salads, soups, and as garnish. The taste of lavender is not for everyone; use it sparingly at first. Here is your complete guide
You can learn how to grow lemon balm in a few minutes. Lemon balm is a perennial herb that grows best in cool weather. It has lemon-scented, mint-like leaves that are often used to make refreshing, lemony hot and cold drinks. The leaves also add a tart lemony flavor to green and fruit salads as
Lemon verbena is a semi-tropical plant. Its leaves have an intensely lemony fragrance and flavor. Leaves can be used in herbal teas and added to fruit salads, vegetables, and desserts. Dried leaves will remain fragrant for several years. Add a touch of lemon verbena to foods, then taste, then add more if needed—use a light
Lovage is an easy-to-grow perennial herb. The leaves and seeds of lovage have a rich celery-like flavor and fragrance. Use the leaves fresh or dry in salads, soups, and stews. The hollow stems can be used as a substitute for celery in soups. Crushed seeds can be used as celery powder. Here is your complete
