In German (and also in French) the terms “lime” and “limone” are often used interchangeably. However, there are serious differences, because the name “lime”, which is rather unusual in this country, actually hides the better-known lemon, while the lime is a closely related but independent type of citrus.
What is the difference between lime and lime?
Difference between lime and lime: Lime is a separate type of citrus, smaller and more aromatic than lime, but with less vitamin C. Lime, a cross between citron and bitter orange, is larger and long-lasting.
Citron and lemon
The citron, an evergreen and rather small tree or shrub with a height of up to three meters, has been cultivated for thousands of years. The species is believed to originate from the foothills of the Himalayas and is grown worldwide in tropical, subtropical and Mediterranean climates. Today the main growing areas are in the Mediterranean, southern China and Puerto Rico. The citron is known as “Citron” in English and “Cidro” in Spanish, while the lemon is known as “Lemon” (English) or “Limón” (Spanish). The lemon or, more correctly, lime is a cross between the original citron and the bitter orange.
Lime – the little cousin of the lemon
The lime, on the other hand, “lime” in English or “limero” in Spanish, is closely related to the citron or lemon, but is still an independent species with numerous subspecies. The term “lime” literally means “little lime”. In fact, the fruits of the lime are significantly smaller than lemons, and the berries are usually harvested green. However, limes are juicier and more aromatic than lemons (i.e. limes), which is why they are often used for preparing cocktails or for cooking or baking. However, limes also contain significantly less vitamin C than their larger, yellow cousins. By the way, lemons have a longer shelf life than thin-skinned limes thanks to their thicker peel.
Nutritional values of lime and lime in comparison
100 grams of fresh lime / lemon includes:
- 47 kcal / 39 kcal
- 1.9 grams of carbohydrates / 3.2 grams (including three grams of sugar)
- 29 milligrams of vitamin C / 51 milligrams
- 0.3 milligrams of vitamin E / 0.4 milligrams
- as well as small amounts of vitamin B1, B2 and B6
- plus iron and zinc
- and 6 milligrams of magnesium / 28 milligrams
- and 33 milligrams of calcium / 11 milligrams
Fresh lemons also contain chloride, sulfur, potassium (up to 170 milligrams per 100 grams of fruit!), phosphorus (16 milligrams) and small amounts of copper, fluoride and iodine.
Citron lemons have very little pulp, which is why the thick fruit rind is primarily used. This is candied (as lemon peel) and processed into baked goods and sweets. In addition, the berries are used to season dishes, make jam, as an ingredient in salads and to flavor soft drinks and alcoholic beverages.
