The green to - depending on the variety - yellow limes grow on a bush or short-stemmed tree up to five meters high. Literally translated, the term “lime” means something like “little lime”. Limes and lemons, like the other types of citrus, are closely related to each other.
Where do limes originally come from and where are they grown today?
The main areas of origin of the lime are India and the Malay Peninsula. Nowadays they are mainly grown in Malaysia, Sri Lanka, India, Kenya, Egypt and the USA, less often in other tropical regions such as Mauritius, Central America and Hawaii.
Spreading the lime
The lime is believed to have originated primarily in India and the Malay Peninsula. Citrus aurantiifolia, the Mexican lime or “Bartender lime”, is currently considered the most commonly grown citrus fruit in the tropics and subtropics. It is also sold significantly more frequently in German supermarkets than other types of lime. In Southeast Asia, relatively unknown species such as the Kaffir lime or the sweet Citrus lemetta are also very widespread.
Insider tip Rangpur lime
Strictly speaking, the Rangpur lime is probably a cross between a tangerine and a lemon. However, the round, orange berries are primarily used as a lime substitute due to their fruity aroma. The plant grows bushy and compact and is ideal for cultivation in pots. The Rangpur lime is also very insensitive to cold. Jam made from Rangpur limes is an insider tip - it is said to taste even better than bitter orange jam.
Growing the lime
The cold-sensitive plants can be grown in the equatorial tropics up to altitudes of around 1000 meters. When it comes to water supply, they are significantly more frugal than other citrus species. The numerous cultivars are grown from seeds or seedlings and grown in gardens or plantations. The plants can bloom and bear fruit all year round.
Where are limes grown today?
Today, the limes available in supermarkets come primarily from Malaysia, Sri Lanka, India, Kenya, Egypt and the USA. The Kaffir lime, on the other hand, is commonly grown in Myanmar, Indochina, Thailand, Malaysia, Indonesia and the Philippines. This exotic species is rarely found in other tropical regions such as Sri Lanka, Mauritius, Central America and Hawaii.
Lime harvest
The lime berries ripen about five to six months after flowering and are usually picked when they are green. However, some varieties may develop as a yellow or orange peel. However, after a few days of storage, quality begins to deteriorate as the thin skins of the berries dry out and turn black. Export fruits are usually treated with preservatives.
Tips & Tricks
You can process ripe limes, including the peel, into jam, jelly or syrup. In the Middle East, the dried berries are very popular for flavoring tea and dishes. To do this, the limes are boiled in water and then dried in the sun. Finally, simply cook, pierced or lightly mashed, when preparing food.
