What might be the value of a lemon? Or two?
Or maybe even a whole front yard filled with lemons?
Some of these lemon trees might be growing in pots. Then there are others that might be really large and trained to grow up the side of the house.
You might even be able to tell me in ways I can guess that it took four years for one of these lemon tree to get that big. What then would be the value of a lemon to someone like me who has never seen so many lemons on lemon trees before? What if you were to invite me in for a really close look? Then, what if you were to reach into your hip pocket for the pruning shears and reaching around under the leaves you grasp a huge firm most lemon-of-lemon-yellow-lemon ever. What if you went “snip!” and handed it to me as a gift?
What do you think the value of THAT lemon would be?
Note: For those that might think that I just have small hands which I suppose I do, here is another comparison of my lemon with a large orange…
These lemons were growing in a front yard in the southern most reaches of Florence Italy and were spied through the fence when I was out for a walk. Anyone who has ever traveled or moved to a country where they don’t speak the language knows how exhausting it can be to do simple things like figure out where to get bus tickets or mail a letter or buy the right coffee capsules for the espresso maker when you can’t read the labeling (neither that I got were the right ones by the way). However, this conversation with a fellow gardener was almost effortless and every time I sniff the lemon – I remember how the sun shone on this exchange between complete stranger with hardly a word that could be spoken in common.
© 2014 Terrill Welch, All rights reserved.
Liberal usage granted with written permission. See “About” for details.
Creative Potager – Visit with painter and photographer Terrill Welch
From Mayne Island, British Columbia, Canada
For gallery and purchase information about Terrill’s photographs and paintings go to http://terrillwelchartist.com
Creative Potager 
That looks like an Amalfi lemon, very sweet, just like your neighbour.
It isn’t one of the sweet one Chiarina but it sure is good. I ate those sweet lemons in Peru and they were delicious!
Oh how wonderful Terri! What did you do with your gorgeous gift of a lemon? Was the person who gifted it to you beaming from ear to ear with their infectious smile just like I imagine you were when you received the ‘gift’???
Thanks for sharing your precious travels, nomad Terrill. I feel like I am right there with you!
:o)
Barbara
Well Barbara, a nice squeeze went into the homemade chicken and veggie soup I made when I accidentally bought half a stewing fowl instead of a fryer. Then I ate some of it sliced very thin just because I like lemons. Then I have used some for hot lemon water – no sweetener because that is the way I like it. And I still have more than half a lemon left which is just fine drying out on the cut side while it sits in a bowl on the table. I am so happy you could come along Barbara and it is nice to have you right here with us.
What is the value of a lemon?
To the farmer who has 40 acres of lemon trees, maybe 40 cents a pound.
To the wholesaler who sells to the stores maybe 65 cents a pound.
To the grocer he wants at least a dollar a pound.
To you, who gets a lemon as a gift… PRICELESS!
So very true Sherwin! I will add that the gardener who carefully nurtures lemon trees in his small front yard that each lemon is pretty precious to him as well 🙂
Terrill — I loved the photographs and reading about the exchange you enjoyed with the lemon gift-giver. Italy is well known for their Limoncello — a delicious Italian lemon liqueur. If you’ve never tried it, I highly suggest that you and David each enjoy a glass (over ice) during your adventure 🙂
We will have to see if we can do that Laurie. There was some kind of weird clear orange drink that tourist were drinking in Venice but I never got around to asking what it was.
What a handful of lemon. Never saw one so big and yet so tasty (according to yourself).
Trick photography? 😉
Nope Laura, I held that lemon out in my hand and snapped the shutter down – no tricks 🙂
How about the taste? Sometimes larger is not better in that regards. Just curious.
This one was delicious Laura. It was plump and weighty and the juice was tangy with a nice clear crisp lingering taste.
The most delectable looking lemons I have ever seen, and as photogenic as any object we can ever behold. Aside from that we well know the health values, and I’m sure you and David did some indulging. I’m sure you are having a fabulous time in Florence my friend!
We are indeed and today I prepared a Cedro which is not a lemon even though it seems like it should be. More about this in another post.