Lime

Lime (also called sweet lime) is a citrus fruit. It grows on a small to medium-sized tree with evergreen foliage. The fruit has a thin, greenish or yellowish skin, and inside are segments (sections) with high juice content.

Limes are cultivated in hot regions with abundant sunlight, particularly in tropical and subtropical areas. They are consumed fresh or made into juice. They rank among the world's most widely traded fruits.

Origin and spread

Sweet lime is believed to have originated in East and Southeast Asia. It is a hybrid that arose from two wild citrus species. Traders and travelers brought it to the Middle East, the Mediterranean region, and later to the Americas.

Characteristics of the plant and fruit

The lime tree has fragrant white flowers. The fruit is a type called a hesperidium—it has a peel (flavedo) containing essential oils and a white, spongy layer (albedo). The interior is divided into segments containing juice sacs; some varieties have no seeds.

Uses

Lime juice is a common beverage ingredient. The peel is used to make essential oil and food flavoring. It is also made into marmalade and preserves. Lime is a source of vitamin C and fiber.