Lemons
Around eight million years ago, the first citrus trees popped onto the planet. According to DNA evidence, we can trace citrus trees to the foothills of the Himalayas. Archaeological evidence attests that lemons have been cultivated for over 4,000 years, and were brought out of Asia sometime near the 200 BCE where they are said to have been used in Israel as part of Jewish rituals. By 200 AD, traders had brought lemons to northern Italy. This is where they became popular among the Roman elite. Early lemons were smaller and less juicy than modern lemons, and they had a thicker skin and fewer seeds. Over time, selective breeding by humans has led to the development of larger, juicier, and seedless lemons that are more palatable and easier to consume. Additionally, the introduction of lemons to different regions of the world has resulted in the development of unique lemon varieties with distinct flavors and characteristics. Today, lemons are widely used in cooking, baking, and as a source of Vitamin C, and they continue to be selectively bred and improved by humans.