Citrus limettioides Tan.

ORIGIN DATA:

This Sweet Lime resulted from a natural cross between some type of ancient Orange and a Citron. It is highly prized in India, the Near East and Egypt, where it is considered to have special medicinal values in the prevention and treatment of fevers and liver disorders. It is also known as Indian Sweet Lime and as Limu Shirin at Iran.

TREE AND FRUIT DESCRIPTION:

Tree of medium-large size and open but irregular growth habit, with thick branches and low leaf density. Pale green, medium-sized, oval leaves with blunt apex. Fruit of medium size, spherical or subglobose, with small, flat apical mamelon and rounded base. Smooth, thin and very adherent rind, of yellow color and distinctive aroma. Straw yellow flesh, tender, very juicy and tasteless for lack of acid, but with a slightly bitter aftertaste. It has seeds.

USES:

Its “sweet” flavor is due to low levels of citric acid, because it actually contains less sugar than a sweet orange. It can be eaten fresh or its juice can be drunk directly. In India it is cooked whole and eaten as a dessert. Sliced, it is used as a complement to cakes, fruit salads or garnishes.