Consider this an emergency post. As I was picking up a few items I need for the two pozoles I am making for Halloween dinner, I noticed that Fircrest Market in Sebastopol has fresh lemons on sale, 4 for $1.
If you are tired of lemons being sold for 79 cents each and you also live within a reasonable distance to downtown Sebastopol, you might want to stop by.
In a future post, I’ll explore the way lemons are priced for retail markets. For now, let me say that “lemon cartel” was Pam Long’s inspiration when she was the morning DJ on KRSH; we did “Krush Bites” together until she left the station. One morning she opened our segment with,“What’s the deal with the lemon cartel.” I understood instantly what she meant–why are lemons so darned expensive?–and after we stopped laughing we discussed the frustration of searching for reasonably priced lemons, especially if, like the two of us, you can go through 2, 3 or more on most days.
Lemons are not just essential in my cooking; they are also beautiful on my table.
That’s my tip for the day. If you see lemons for a reasonable price, do lemons lovers a favor and post locations here. Also, check back later today, when I’ll have added links to some of my favorite lemon recipes.
These recipes are from the Seasonal Pantry archives. Traditionally, preserved lemons are made with Eureka lemons but it is increasingly common to see preserved Meyer lemons, especially in Sonoma County, where they are abundant and, if you know where to look, free for the picking.
Lemon wedges preserved in salt & lemon juice keep for a year and even longer
Sauteed Flounder with Preserved Lemon Butter
