Wanting info on Sambo Lemons

April 21, 2012 3:58 PM

I was given a few sambo lemons from a friend that lives in FL & grew them. She didn't have a lot of suggestions on how to use them or know much about them. I tried Google & Wiki & here & found little to nothing. They are large for a lemon & quite green when ripe. On the inside they resemble many citrus fruits- looks like an orange or grapefruit, in sections. But they have little to no juice- very dry, which I'm guessing is a normal attribute. It must be a very primitive citrus fruit. I'd like more info about this plant/ fruit & ideas on how to use them.
posted by Mimidae to Home & Garden (6 answers total)

I have no idea, but the folks at the Homestead Fruit and Spice Park might have some pointers for you if you call or email and ask for advice.
posted by Nelson at 4:39 PM on April 21, 2012 [1 favorite]

I'm pretty sure it is really a sanbokan or sanbo sour orange (also known as a sanbokan sweet lemon or sweet grapefruit). Pictures would help confirm! Anyway, if you google that you'll find more info, it should color up when ripe, though may revert to green. It should be juicy as well- I think you may be picking immature fruit. They seem to need planty of heat to ripen, though are fairly cold tolerant.
posted by oneirodynia at 5:38 PM on April 21, 2012 [3 favorites]

Or your friend may be picking immature fruit, that is.
posted by oneirodynia at 5:39 PM on April 21, 2012

Here's more info. Looks like it is eaten fresh or possibly juiced.
posted by oneirodynia at 5:44 PM on April 21, 2012 [2 favorites]

The sanbokan I've seen have been juicy, not as juicy as a navel orange but as juicy as a Caribbean sour orange. Also big grapefruit-sized seeds. Agree that these may have been picked too early?

You can make ponzu with sanbokan. Also a good marinade for chicken.
posted by Sidhedevil at 7:45 PM on April 21, 2012

If they seem to have no juice, you could always use the zest for a recipe calling for lemon zest. I always cheat and use a cheese grater when making my limoncello.
posted by Stan Grossman at 9:28 PM on April 21, 2012