MADINAH: The harvesting of Abu Zuhair green lemons, one of the main citrus fruits cultivated in Madinah, is now well underway.
The lemon trees grow throughout the province, especially in places like Abyar Al-Mashi, Abyar Ali, Asira and AlUla, where they thrive in the dry conditions and clay soil, the Saudi Press Agency reported.
Most lemons grown in Madinah are sold locally though some are shipped to Makkah, Riyadh and Al-Ahsa. (SPA)
The harvest, which runs from June to August, overlaps with the rhutab (semi-ripe dates) season and both fruits are sold in Madinah’s central market.
The lemons are sold in 2-25 kg batches at daily auctions that run from 5-11 a.m.
FASTFACTS
• The harvest of Abu Zuhair lemons, which runs from June to August, overlaps with the rhutab (semi-ripe dates) season.
• The lemons are sold in 2-25 kg batches at daily auctions in Madinah’s central market from 5-11 a.m
A vendor at the central market said Abu Zuhair lemons, which are smaller and greener than imported varieties, were ideal for juices and cooking, and paired well with many hot dishes and salads.
Toward the end of the harvest season, the lemons start to turn yellow and dry and are used for pickling.
The fruits are also a good source of vitamin C and support the immune system. (SPA)
Another vendor said the leaves of the lemon tree, known as nawami, could be added to tea and other cold beverages.
As well as commercial harvesting, many people grow Abu Zuhair lemons at home for their fragrance. The fruits are also a good source of vitamin C and support the immune system.
Most lemons grown in Madinah are sold locally though some are shipped to Makkah, Riyadh and Al-Ahsa. The small numbers produced mean they are never exported.
