Lime (fruit)

A lime is a small, acidic fruit belonging to the genus Citrus. Most limes are actually hybrids, which means they are crossbreeds of different citrus species. They are part of the Rutaceae family. These fruits are generally round or oval in shape. They typically have a green rind and green flesh. Most commercial varieties are harvested while they are still green. This is because their flavor and acidity are strongest at this stage.

Limes grow on small, evergreen shrubs or low trees. These trees are characterized by glossy leaves and fragrant white flowers.

The fruit itself is quite juicy and contains a high concentration of citric acid. This acid is what gives the lime its distinctively sour taste. In fact, lime juice contains about 47 grams of citric acid per liter. This amount is roughly twice that of grapefruit juice. It is also five times higher than the amount found in orange juice.

There are many different types of limes used around the world. The Key lime, or Citrus × aurantiifolia, is a small and seedy fruit. The Persian lime, or Citrus × latifolia, is a larger hybrid of the Key lime and lemon. It is the most widely produced variety and is nearly seedless.

Another variety is the Makrut lime, which is known for its aromatic, bumpy skin. In Australia, there are native species like the finger lime and the desert lime. Some limes are even non-citrus, such as the Spanish lime, which is actually Melicoccus bijugatus.

The history of the lime is a story of human movement and trade. Limes originated in South Asia and tropical Southeast Asia. They spread to new regions through migration and the spice trade. During the Austronesian expansion between 3000 and 1500 BCE, they reached Micronesia and Polynesia. By at least 1200 BCE, they had moved into the Middle East and the Mediterranean.

In the 19th century, British sailors used limes to prevent the disease known as scurvy. This practice was so common that sailors earned the nickname "limey." This medical use was even kept as a closely guarded military secret.

Global production of limes is a massive industry. In 2023, the combined world production of limes and lemons was 23.6 million tonnes.

India and Mexico were the leading producers of these fruits. Limes are highly nutritious and serve many purposes. A 100-gram serving provides 35% of the Daily Value of vitamin C. The fruit is also 88% water and contains about 10% carbohydrates. Limes are used for culinary, medicinal, and ornamental purposes.

Limes are used in many different ways in daily life. In cooking, the juice and zest are used to flavor many items. You might find lime in limeade, cocktails like margaritas, or dishes like ceviche and guacamole.

Dried limes, known as limoo or black lime, are used in Persian, Iraqi, and Eastern Arabian cuisines. Beyond food, lime extracts and essential oils are used in aromatherapy. They are also found in perfumes and cleaning products. The fruit's chemical makeup includes diverse phytochemicals like polyphenols and terpenes.

There is a specific safety concern regarding lime contact with skin. If lime juice or peel touches your skin and you are exposed to ultraviolet light, it can cause a reaction. This condition is called phytophotodermatitis, or "margarita photodermatitis." This happens because of phototoxic compounds called furanocoumarins. These include substances like bergapten, limettin, psoralen, and xanthotoxin. The concentration of these compounds is higher in the peel than in the pulp.