
A Sour Matter – Where Did Lemons Come From in Gdansk?
It wasn't until the 15th century that lemons appeared in old recipes. Moreover, the price of a lemon was astronomical, and only kings and the wealthiest nobility could afford to purchase them. This situation did not change for over 100 years! Only in the 17th and 18th centuries did citrus fruits appear on the tables of the bourgeoisie, though the economic boom did not significantly alter the social status associated with purchasing this sour fruit. Due to their high price, which remained for centuries, they were considered a symbol of luxury and wealth. A basket of citrus fruits was a tasteful gift, and lemon juice was considered an excellent and widely used medicinal remedy. Lemons arrived in Gdansk, of course, by sea. Their price in the port city was no different from prices in the interior of the country. Purchasing a single lemon cost about six florins – for comparison, a maid earned 32 florins a year! Despite this, lemons were eagerly used in Gdansk
cuisine as a flavorful addition to dishes.
The Gdańsk Cookbook contains a wealth of recipes that use this ingredient: the peel was added to cakes, cookies, and meat dishes, whole slices were used in sauces, roasts, and as plate decorations, while juice was used in preserves, cold desserts, and drinks. Phew... no expense was spared on this luxurious treat. Does this mean that the residents of the city on the Motława River were that wealthy? Or perhaps the recipes in this work are only for special occasions? We may never know for sure, but there's no harm in checking whether Gdansk's fascination with sour flavors was worth the price.