Strange Survival Tip: Start a Fire With a Lemon

This is one most interesting fire starting techniques we have ever seen.

If you want to build your own lemon fire starter you will need the following materials.

• A lemon or similarly acidic fruit
• Galvanized nails, or another source of zinc
• A Copper source
• Wiring
• Steel wool and some tinder

If that seems like a difficult list to pack for a survival situation that’s because it is. This is mostly a very interesting proof of concept and there are many easier fire starting methods.

The energy used to start the fire comes from the chemical change in the zinc when it dissolves into the acid. The energy does not come from the lemon or potato. The zinc is oxidized inside the lemon, exchanging some of its electrons with the acid in order to reach a lower energy state, and the energy released provides the power. When the lemon battery is providing an electric current the metallic zinc at the surface of the zinc electrode is dissolving into the solution. This means you won’t be able to keep your lemon generating electricity for ever.

Edward Pierz

I enjoy nearly all types of outdoor activities, especially those which allow me to travel to new and exciting locations. I love power sports whether they are on the water, roads, trails, or simply on untraversed terrain. I also have a particular obsession with anything riding on two wheels. As an avid motorcycle rider I try to spend as much time as possible on my bike, which in turn has allowed me to explore some of Michigan's most enchanting wilderness areas. Additionally, I enjoy and participate in many types of shooting sports, both recreational and competitive. I guess I try to do a little bit of every thing outdoors, and I am constantly searching for new and exciting outdoor activities. Testing.