Palestine

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

Medium-large tree with an open but irregular growth habit, featuring thick branches and low leaf density. Pale green leaves, medium-sized, oval, with a blunt tip. Medium-sized fruit, spherical or somewhat globose, with a small, flat apical nipple and a rounded base. Smooth, fine, and very adherent bark, yellow in color with a distinctive aroma. Pale yellow pulp, tender, very juicy, and flavorless due to lack of acid, but with a slightly bitter aftertaste. It contains seeds.

Its "sweet" flavor is due to low levels of citric acid, as it actually contains less sugar than a sweet orange. It can be consumed 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 for cakes, fruit salads, or side dishes.