Cooking Hacks: 5 BEST Substitutes for Meyer Lemon

Ever found yourself mid-recipe only to realize you’re fresh out of Meyer lemons? You’re not alone.

These citrus gems add a unique, sweet-tart flavor that’s hard to beat but also kinda hard to find sometimes.

Lucky for you, we’ve got the lowdown on the best substitutes that’ll save your dish without skipping a beat. Regular lemons?

Sure, they’re the obvious go-to, but there’s a whole citrus squad ready to jump in.

From limes that pack a punch to sweet oranges that soften the edge, each brings its own twist to the table.

And it’s not just about swapping one fruit for another.

We’re here to guide you through tweaking your recipes to make sure your dish doesn’t just survive the substitute—it thrives.

What is Meyer Lemon?

First of all, what is Meyer lemon? Meyer is a cross between an orange and a lemon that has been grown in China for hundreds of years.

It is sweeter than a regular lemon but just as tangy.

It has an orange color and can be eaten like an orange.

However, it is much juicier than an orange.

Meyer lemons are usually grown in California because the weather makes them sweet enough for people to enjoy.

It takes at least four years for these trees to yield a good crop of lemons.

Meyer lemons can be used in a wide range of cooking, from marinades to dressings and even desserts.

One of the most popular uses is lemon curd.

If you love zesty flavors in your food, the Meyer lemon is perfect for you.

The 5 Best Substitutes for Meyer Lemon

Here’s a detailed comparison of the 5 best substitutes for Meyer lemon, along with their key characteristics and proper ratios:

Substitute	Key Characteristics	Proper Ratio
Eureka Lemon	Eureka lemons are tart and acidic, similar to Meyer lemons. They have a bright flavor with a thinner peel.	Use an equal amount of Eureka lemon juice or zest as you would with Meyer lemon.
Grapefruit	Grapefruits have a tangy and slightly bitter flavor that can be a good substitute for Meyer lemons.	Use an equal amount of grapefruit juice or zest as you would with Meyer lemon.
Lisbon Lemon	Lisbon lemons are another variety of tart and acidic lemons. They can be used as a substitute in recipes.	Use an equal amount of Lisbon lemon juice or zest as you would with Meyer lemon.
Valencia Oranges	Valencia oranges have a sweet and tangy flavor, which can provide a unique twist to recipes.	Use an equal amount of Valencia orange juice or zest as you would with Meyer lemon.
Lemon Peel	Using lemon peel can provide a similar citrus flavor to dishes. Grate the peel to use it as a substitute.	Use an equal amount of grated lemon peel as you would with Meyer lemon zest.

Now let’s discuss each substitute in more detail:

1 – Eureka Lemon

If you are looking for a substitution, Eureka lemon may be your best choice.

It is well known for its juice. However, it can also be used in cooking.

Eureka lemon is commonly found in Morocco, the Middle East, Thailand, and other Southeast Asia.

These lemons have thin skin that has an intense aroma.

It’s also crucial to note that this lemon is quite sour compared to other lemons.

One of the interesting things about this lemon is that they are not juicy.

Eureka lemons may be used in soups, sauces, and marinades.

It can also be used for baking or with salads.

2 – Grapefruit

Next on our list is grapefruit.

Although it may be difficult for newcomers to find grapefruit, it can be used in a wide range of recipes.

If you love lemon flavor and zest, this fruit is perfect for you.

Grapefruit is widely cultivated in the United States, Brazil, and Mexico.

More than 100 varieties such as Marsh, Duncan, and Star Ruby.

The fruit is typically yellow or pink and is very juicy.

It’s also crucial to note that grapefruit has very big and thick skin.

You can use grapefruit in marinades, salads, or desserts.

Not only that, grapefruit is high in fiber, vitamin C, and antioxidants.

It can even help you lose weight.

3 – Lisbon Lemon

Another great substitute for the Meyer lemon is the Lisbon lemon.

It’s crucial to note that this fruit is not genetically modified or cloned at all.

Lisbon lemons are commonly found in Mexico, Florida, California, Brazil, and South Korea.

This variety is rather large when compared to other lemons.

It also has a large amount of juice and is very acidic.

It’s also important to note that this lemon has very thin skin, making it easy to juice.

This fruit can be used in salads or desserts.

You can even use them for pesto sauce.

If you are looking for healthy food alternatives, this citrus fruit is great because it contains less sugar than other fruits.

4 – Valencia Oranges

Last but not least on our list is the Valencia orange.

This fruit contains a lot of juice and has very thick skin.

Valencia oranges are commonly found in Brazil, Greece, South Florida, and Mexico.

It’s crucial to note that these fruits lose their flavor when dried or even frozen.

This variety is very juicy and tastes great when combined with other fruits.

You can use this fruit for desserts.

You can also add it to salads or even rice dishes.

In addition, Valencia oranges are very high in vitamin C and antioxidants.

5 – Lemon Peel

Last but not least on our list is the lemon peel.

This part of the fruit does not contain any juice, making it perfect for cooking or baking.

Lemon peels are typically found in poultry dishes.

It’s crucial to note that these peels can also be dried and stored for later use.

They can also be used for making tea.

Lemon peel is very high in fiber and vitamin C.

The lemon peel has more nutrients than its juice.

You can use lemon peels for baked goods such as pies and cakes.

If you’re looking to add a little flavor to your chicken, then we recommend using them as well.

Conclusion

Meyer lemons are known for their zest and flavor.

However, if you cannot find or afford them, we recommend trying any of these substitutes instead.

Eureka lemons, grapefruit, Lisbon lemons, Valencia oranges, and lemon peels can be used as replacements in most recipes.

They’re also widely available and affordable. Try Costco, Amazon, and local fruit shops.

They offer all of the substitutes we mentioned.