Lemon juice and pancake

[Glossopswift]

Last night (as I ate my delicious pancakes) I got to wondering why and when lemon juice and sugar became the main topping that we use. I've just had a quick search and none of the info I found gave an explanation. Anyone?

[Ouisch]

Where are you located?  I'm in the midwestern US and this is the first I've ever heard of topping pancakes with lemon juice and sugar.  Maple syrup is still the standard topper here, followed by confectioner's sugar, and then various fruit compotes:  blueberry, strawberry, etc.

[marmaduke]

Well it's an English website so I am guessing Glossopswift is English, or at least British

[Clare A]

I'm only guessing, Glossopswift, but maybe it's that the lemon juice counters the richness of the batter, and it in turn is balanced by the sweetness of the sugar? Hence, lovely pancakes!

[gingerflaps]

yep i love loads of easy squeesy lemon juice n sugar, and if im feelin really sweet i pour mounds of golden syrup on em....mmmmmmmm

[Glossopswift]

Yes, I'm English. I'm sure I speak for most of my countrymen when I say that lemon juice (particularly Jif lemon juice out of a squeezy plastic lemon or bottle) and sugar is the first topping to be considered (a few years ago Jif advertised with the slogan 'don't forget your pancakes on Jif lemon day'). It seems there is no symbolic reason for lemon and sugar, only culinary. I couldn't imagine our forefathers rushing to use up lemon and sugar before lent, and still wonder when these became the norm.