What is the pH of a lemon?

The pH of a lemon typically falls between 2 and 3, which reflects its acidity. Lemons contain citric acid, primarily responsible for their sour taste and low pH level. The acidic nature is essential not only in culinary applications, enhancing flavors, but also plays a role in preservation and can even affect the texture of certain ingredients.

When considering the pH scale, which ranges from 0 (very acidic) to 14 (very alkaline), a pH of 2 to 3 categorizes lemons as strongly acidic but not at the extreme end of the scale. This level of acidity is also notable in other fruits, such as limes or grapefruits, which can have similar pH values. Understanding this property can be very useful when balancing flavors in cooking or baking, as the acidity can help to brighten and enhance the overall taste profile of a dish.