FAQ's

 

What is a Meyer lemon?

A Meyer lemon is a hybrid between a lemon and a tangerine. They are rounder and have a deeper orange hue than the Eureka or Lisbon lemons sold in most grocery stores. Because of its heritage, Meyer lemons are naturally less acidic and have a sweeter profile.

The peel of a Meyer lemon is full of essential oils, which give it an aromatic, nuanced flavor that isn’t as sharp as a standard lemon. We preserve the entire fruit to keep those oils intact—it's part of what gives If & When its depth of flavor. 

We source our citrus from organic, family-owned farms in California’s coastal regions. Our process uses the entire lemon—skin, seeds and all. Because we barrel-age the fruit for up to three years before puréeing it, we can use "imperfect" fruit that grocery stores usually reject. This allows us to value flavor over appearance and ensures more income for the farmers rather than letting good citrus go to waste.

Are preserved lemons the same as lemon preserves?

No, preserved lemons and lemon preserves are distinct products. Preserves are sweet, made by cooking the fruit with sugar like a jam.

If & When is savory and salt-cured. We use a traditional technique where the citrus barrel-ages in salt and its own juice for up to three years. This process removes the bitterness and concentrates the fruit into a powerful, savory paste. Because the salt and umami are so intense, a little bit goes a long way.

What distinguishes your preserved lemon paste from whole preserved lemons?

Our Preserved Meyer Lemon Paste offers convenience by saving time and eliminating ingredients without compromising flavor. Unlike whole preserved lemons, which often require discarding the pulp and chopping the rind to add to a recipe, our paste is ready to use straight from the jar, ensuring a balance of tangy, sweet, and umami flavors in every dish. Made from 100% California-grown Meyer lemons, If & When is a versatile, zero-waste product supporting local, sustainable agriculture.

Why do you salt-cure Meyer lemons with spices?

We cure citrus with spices to save our customers time and effort in the kitchen while enhancing flavor. By barrel-aging the lemons and spices for up to three years, If & When's flavors meld into a concentrated base. This long-term infusion creates a depth of flavor that isn't possible by adding dry spices to a finished.

What is the shelf life of the Preserved Meyer Lemon Paste, and is the Best By date an expiration date?

If & When is shelf-stable due to its high salt content and naturally low pH (acidity). The Best By date indicates when the citrus is expected to be at its peak flavor and texture. It is a quality date, not an expiration date; preserved lemon remains safe to consume after this date.

Does If & When need to be refrigerated?

We recommend refrigerating If & When after opening to maintain its flavor and texture. As with any jarred condiment, always use a clean utensil to scoop the citrus to ensure its longevity.

Why does the color of If & When vary from jar to jar?

The color of If & When naturally shifts from yellow to a deep amber. This is a result of the barrel-aging process. When the citrus and spices cure together over time, the spices release their color, deepening the shade of the preserved lemon. This variation is a natural part of the aging process.

How does being a small business influence If & When?

Being small allows us to stay close to every step of the process. We source Meyer lemons from local, organic, family-owned farms in California and Australia and cure them locally. This proximity lets us maintain zero-waste practices and ensures that our approach to the citrus is never compromised by the demands of mass production.

Is If & When zero-waste?

If & When is a zero-waste product: we cure the entire lemon, including the skin and seeds. Our aim is to have a small a carbon footprint as possible. That's part of the reason we salt-cure and barrel-age citrus close to the family-owned, organic farms where we source citrus for our products.

Why is it important that your product is locally made and grown?

By sourcing from local, organic family-farms, we support the local economy, reduce our carbon footprint, and ensure the highest quality ingredients for If & When. We want to support the communities where Meyer lemons are grown and the farmers who cultivate them.