Citral

Specific molecules

Geranial and neral, the duo that makes the lemony scent without the lemon: 70 to 80% of the essential oil of lemongrass.

Volatile, it leaves with long cooking — hence the lemongrass stalk added at the end of a dish, or removed before serving. Lemon balm carries it too, in far smaller amounts.

Where to find it (4)

• Kaffir lime leaves
• Lemon myrtle
• Lemongrass
• Litsea (mountain pepper)

Also, in smaller amounts (1)

• Lemon balm