Meyer Lemon Season: Capturing Peak Flavor at The Baker and the Cakemaker

Every year, there’s a short window when Meyer lemons are at their absolute best…and we don’t waste a single moment of it. From November through January, Meyer lemon harvest season is in full swing across California, and at The Baker and the Cakemaker, it’s one of our favorite times of the year.

During these peak months, we source over 2,000 pounds of locally grown Meyer lemons directly from California farms. These lemons are prized for their thin skin, floral aroma, and balanced sweetness, making them incredibly special—and incredibly seasonal. Once the harvest ends, fresh Meyer lemons disappear until the following year, which is why what we do next matters so much.

Crates of recently harvested meyer lemons

Doing the Work In-House (Because It Matters)

When the lemons arrive, our team gets to work. Every lemon is zested and juiced in-house…no shortcuts, no concentrates, no artificial flavors. The zest and juice are carefully frozen at peak freshness, allowing us to preserve the bright, natural citrus flavor long after the season ends.

Freezing at harvest means we’re not chasing flavor later in the year. We’ve already captured it.

The Secret Behind Our Meyer Lemon Rosemary Bread

That vibrant zest is what gives our award-winning Meyer Lemon Rosemary bread its signature zing. The citrus notes are bright but balanced, complementing the earthy rosemary and creating a loaf that feels both comforting and fresh. Whether you enjoy it in our café or pick it up through one of our wholesale partners, every loaf carries the same peak-season flavor—no matter the time of year.

Our award winning, Meyer Lemon Rosemary bread

Your Favorite: Meyer Lemon Lemonade

The story doesn’t stop there. The freshly squeezed juice is frozen and saved for warmer months, when it becomes the base of our Meyer Lemon Lemonade. Smooth, refreshing, and never overly sweet, it’s the drink our customers look forward to as soon as temperatures rise…and it all starts during winter harvest.

Our refreshing Meyer Lemon Lemonade

Why We Do It This Way

This process takes time, planning, and a lot of hands-on work, but it reflects what we believe in:

• Supporting local California farmers

• Respecting seasonality

• Preserving real flavor, not replicating it

By doing the work when ingredients are at their best, we’re able to share that quality with you all year long.

So whether you’re stopping by for a slice of Meyer Lemon Rosemary bread or enjoying your first glass of lemonade this year, know that it all began with fresh, local lemons…and a whole lot of care. 💛