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Lime (fruit)
A lime is the fruit of several species of citrus, most of which are hybrids within the genus Citrus (family Rutaceae). Limes are generally small, round to oval fruits with green flesh and skin and a distinctly sour taste due to their high citric acid content. They are widely cultivated in tropical and subtropical regions for culinary, medicinal, and ornamental purposes.
The term "lime" is used for a variety of citrus fruits, including the Key lime (Citrus × aurantiifolia), Persian lime (Citrus × latifolia), Makrut lime (Citrus hystrix), finger lime (Citrus australasica), blood lime (hybrid), and desert lime among others. Limes are a rich source of vitamin C and are used to accent the flavours of foods and beverages. In 2023, world production of limes (combined with lemons) was 23.6 million tonnes, led by India and Mexico.
Limes are typically 3–6 cm (1–2.5 in) in diameter and have a thin to moderately thick rind that is green when unripe and may turn yellow when fully mature. The pulp is juicy and highly acidic. Most commercial varieties are harvested green, when their flavour and acidity are strongest. Lime trees are small, evergreen shrubs or low trees with glossy leaves and fragrant white flowers. Fruit seediness varies: Key limes are generally seedy, while Persian limes are nearly seedless.
Limes do not form a single botanical group, as most commercial varieties are hybrids derived from citron (C. medica), mandarin (C. reticulata), pomelo (C. maxima), and sometimes micrantha.
The British name "lime tree" also applies to Tilia species, unrelated to citrus.
Limes originated in tropical Southeast Asia and South Asia and were spread via human migration and trade. Makrut lime was among the earliest citrus fruits introduced outside its native range. Limes reached Micronesia and Polynesia through the Austronesian expansion (c. 3000–1500 BCE), and later the Middle East and Mediterranean through the spice trade by at least 1200 BCE.
During the 19th century, British sailors consumed citrus, including limes, to prevent scurvy, giving rise to the nickname "limey". The practice was a closely guarded military secret.
In 2023, world production of limes (combined with lemons) was 23.6 million tonnes, led by India and Mexico (table).
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Lime (fruit)
A lime is the fruit of several species of citrus, most of which are hybrids within the genus Citrus (family Rutaceae). Limes are generally small, round to oval fruits with green flesh and skin and a distinctly sour taste due to their high citric acid content. They are widely cultivated in tropical and subtropical regions for culinary, medicinal, and ornamental purposes.
The term "lime" is used for a variety of citrus fruits, including the Key lime (Citrus × aurantiifolia), Persian lime (Citrus × latifolia), Makrut lime (Citrus hystrix), finger lime (Citrus australasica), blood lime (hybrid), and desert lime among others. Limes are a rich source of vitamin C and are used to accent the flavours of foods and beverages. In 2023, world production of limes (combined with lemons) was 23.6 million tonnes, led by India and Mexico.
Limes are typically 3–6 cm (1–2.5 in) in diameter and have a thin to moderately thick rind that is green when unripe and may turn yellow when fully mature. The pulp is juicy and highly acidic. Most commercial varieties are harvested green, when their flavour and acidity are strongest. Lime trees are small, evergreen shrubs or low trees with glossy leaves and fragrant white flowers. Fruit seediness varies: Key limes are generally seedy, while Persian limes are nearly seedless.
Limes do not form a single botanical group, as most commercial varieties are hybrids derived from citron (C. medica), mandarin (C. reticulata), pomelo (C. maxima), and sometimes micrantha.
The British name "lime tree" also applies to Tilia species, unrelated to citrus.
Limes originated in tropical Southeast Asia and South Asia and were spread via human migration and trade. Makrut lime was among the earliest citrus fruits introduced outside its native range. Limes reached Micronesia and Polynesia through the Austronesian expansion (c. 3000–1500 BCE), and later the Middle East and Mediterranean through the spice trade by at least 1200 BCE.
During the 19th century, British sailors consumed citrus, including limes, to prevent scurvy, giving rise to the nickname "limey". The practice was a closely guarded military secret.
In 2023, world production of limes (combined with lemons) was 23.6 million tonnes, led by India and Mexico (table).