Botanical Spotlight: Lemon

To create the very best high-quality fragrances, an intimate understanding of the world of botanicals is crucial. Here at CRANBOURN^®, we pride ourselves on our research, discovery, expertise and appreciation of different botanicals from around the globe.

In our Botanical Spotlight series, we will delve into the scientific, cultural and olfactory roots of the key botanicals from our fragrance collections.

Due to its distinctive flavour and scent, the humble lemon is a household name. However, this incredible fruit is packed with punch and power, and should not be underestimated.

The lemon is from the family Rutaceae, genus Citrus and species C. Limon, and it is a renowned member of the beautiful citrus group.

Global travellers

In modern times, there most likely is not a corner of the globe where you can’t get hold of a lemon.

However, this was not originally the case.

Lemons are thought to have originated in northeast India and northern Burma and then spread to the Mediterranean, Middle East and throughout India over time.

The lemon then arrived in the Americas during the Spanish and Portuguese conquests. They are now a global staple, used predominantly in the food and drink around the world.

An impressively diverse botanical

There are numerous types of lemon around the globe, from the Meyer to the Lisbon, and each comes with its unique distinctive properties. Almost every part of the lemon has a use, from the juice and the rind to the flesh.

Lemons are impressively versatile, with popular use in everything from cleaning to beauty.

Lemon essential oil is obtained through cold pressing the rind, while the pulp is then processed to produce juice. Lemon oil has medicinal properties and health benefits, including being antimicrobial, antioxidant, and aiding mood improvement.

In perfume, lemon is primarily used as a top note. It is recognisable, light, bold and summery, adding a refreshing brightness to any fragrance it graces. We have incorporated lemon into our English Garden Party™ fragrance, complimenting delicate floral scents of violet, lily, lavender and more.

To delve deeper into the history, biology and uses of the diverse botanicals in CRANBOURN^® fragrances, explore our extensive botanicals directory.