On average, one medium lemon weighs around 58 grams without the peel and 52 grams with the peel on. The exact weight can vary depending on factors like the size, variety, and ripeness of the lemon. But as a general rule of thumb, one medium lemon equates to about 2 ounces or 58 grams without peel.
This information is useful for recipes when lemons are called for by quantity rather than volume. If a recipe calls for the zest or juice of one lemon, knowing the average lemon weight can help you determine if you have the right amount. The lemon weight with peel left on can also assist with rough conversions for shopping at the grocery store if you need a certain number of lemons.
Exploring Different Lemon Sizes and Weights
While 58 grams or 2 ounces is the average, lemons can come in different sizes that will affect their exact weights. Here is an overview of the range of lemon sizes and their corresponding weights:
| Lemon Size | Weight with Peel | Weight without Peel |
|---|---|---|
| Small | 40 grams | 34 grams |
| Medium | 52 grams | 58 grams |
| Large | 72 grams | 80 grams |
| Extra Large | 90 grams | 100 grams |
As you can see, lemons can range from about 40 grams for a small lemon with peel up to 100 grams for an extra large peeled lemon. The medium 52-58 gram size is the most common, but it’s useful to know the range.
Lemon Varieties and Weights
In addition to size, different lemon varieties and types can also cause slight variations in weight. Here are some common lemon types and their average weights:
| Lemon Variety | Average Weight with Peel | Average Weight without Peel |
|---|---|---|
| Eureka | 60 grams | 65 grams |
| Lisbon | 50 grams | 55 grams |
| Meyer | 70 grams | 75 grams |
| Persian | 40 grams | 45 grams |
Eureka and Lisbon lemons are the most common supermarket varieties. Meyer lemons are often larger, while Persian lemons tend to be smaller. But all types center around the 50-60 gram average size when peeled.
Lemon Ripeness and Juiciness
The ripeness and juiciness of a lemon can also cause its weight to vary slightly. A very ripe, juicy lemon will often weigh a bit more than an underripe one after peeling. Here are some tips for picking ripe, juicy lemons:
– Choose lemons that feel heavy for their size and have thin, smooth skin. Heavy lemons with thin skin tend to be the juiciest.
– Avoid lemons with thick, rough skin or that feel overly light. These are signs of dryness.
– Lemon skin should be bright yellow without any green. Green skin means under ripe fruit.
– Try gently rolling lemons on a hard surface before selecting. The juiciest ones will feel a bit soft and move under light pressure.
Following these tips can help you select the ripest, juiciest lemons which will be at the plumpest and heaviest weights. Underripe lemons will weigh less than average.
Typical Lemon Weights for Recipes
In recipes, lemons are most often called for by fruit quantity rather than weight. But knowing typical lemon weights can still help ensure you use the right amount. Here are some common recipe lemon measurements and their equivalent gram weights:
| Recipe Lemon Quantity | Approximate Gram Weight |
|---|---|
| 1 lemon, juiced | 30 grams |
| Zest of 1 lemon | 5 grams |
| 1/2 lemon, juiced | 15 grams |
| 1 lemon, sliced | 60 grams |
| 2 lemons, juiced | 60 grams |
So if a recipe simply calls for the juice of 1 lemon, you can estimate it means around 30 grams or 1 ounce of juice. For 2 lemons juiced, plan for about 60 grams or 2 ounces of juice. Having an idea of typical lemon weights for recipes can prevent surprises or shortages mid-recipe.
Converting Lemon Quantities for Recipes
If you need a certain number of lemons for a recipe but only have the amount in weight or volume, you can use average lemon weights to convert between units.
Here is a simple lemon conversion chart:
| 1 lemon | ~52 grams | ~1.8 ounces |
|---|---|---|
| 3 lemons | ~156 grams | ~5.4 ounces |
| 1 pound lemons (450g) | 8-9 lemons | ~16 ounces lemon juice |
| 1 cup lemon juice | 240 grams | Juice of 4-5 lemons |
| 1 tablespoon lemon juice | 15 grams | Juice of 0.5 lemon |
So if you need 3 lemons for a recipe and only have 150 grams, you should have just enough based on average lemon weights. Or if you need 1/4 cup lemon juice but only know you have 2 lemons, you can estimate you have close to the right amount to juice. Having the ability to convert between units for lemon quantities can be extremely helpful when cooking and baking.
Typical Grocery Store Lemons per Pound
When shopping for lemons at the grocery store, most often they are sold by the pound. Knowing around how many lemons are in a pound can help when estimating quantity needs.
On average, expect about 8 medium-sized lemons per one pound bag or bulk bin. Here is a breakdown:
– Small lemons: 10-12 lemons per pound
– Medium lemons: 8-9 lemons per pound
– Large lemons: 5-6 lemons per pound
– Extra large lemons: 4-5 lemons per pound
So if you need 5 lemons for recipes and are shopping in the bulk section, grab around 0.5-0.6 pounds to net 5 medium lemons. Keeping the general guideline of 8 medium lemons per pound in mind when shopping can simplify grocery store runs.
Weight Loss Benefits of Lemons
Beyond cooking, knowing lemon weights can also help if you are using lemon water for weight loss.
Here are some tips for using lemon water for weight loss based on average lemon gram weights:
– To make a basic lemon water, use the juice from one 58 gram lemon in 12-16 ounces of water.
– For a stronger concentrated lemon drink, add the juice of two lemons (116 grams) to 8 ounces of warm water.
– Drink either lemon water option daily before meals to boost weight loss.
– Cold lemon water burns more calories than warm, so drink chilled lemon water for greater effects.
– Pair lemon water with light exercise like walking for best results.
So knowing that 58 grams is a typical lemon, you can easily mix up portions of fresh lemon juice with water to promote weight loss and detoxification.
Storing Lemons Based on Weight
To get the most use and lifespan out of fresh lemons, proper storage based on lemon weight is also good to keep in mind. Here are some tips:
– Whole uncut lemons can be kept at room temperature up to 1 week.
– Cut lemon halves can be stored in the refrigerator 3-5 days in an airtight container.
– Sliced lemons will last 2-3 days refrigerated.
– Leftover lemon juice can be frozen for several months in ice cube trays or freezer bags. About 30 grams of juice fills one ice cube compartment.
Knowing the typical weight with and without peel can help guide storage timeframes. A whole medium lemon is good for about a week at room temp, while 30 grams of sliced lemons should be used up in just a couple days. Understanding lemon weights makes it easier to reduce waste and keep them fresh.
Conclusion
In summary, the average weight of one medium lemon is around 52 grams or 1.8 ounces with the peel and 58 grams or 2 ounces peeled. But lemon weights can range from as small as 40 grams for a tiny lemon up to 100 grams for an extra large one. The exact weight varies based on size, variety, ripeness and juiciness.
When cooking, the typical weight of lemons can help with recipe conversions and measurements. At the store, estimating that a pound holds about 8 medium lemons can simplify shopping. And for health benefits, using the average lemon gram weight to mix up lemon water can support weight loss. So knowing approximately how many grams in the average lemon serves many helpful purposes in the kitchen and beyond.
