In German (and also in French) the terms "Lime" and "Limone" are often used synonymously. However, there are serious differences, because the term "lime" - which is rather unusual in this country - actually hides the more well-known lemon, while the lime is a closely related but independent citrus species.
citron and lemon
The citron, an evergreen and with a growth height of up to three meters rather small tree or shrub, has been cultivated for thousands of years. The species is believed to be native to the foothills of the Himalayas and is grown in tropical, subtropical and Mediterranean climates worldwide. Nowadays, the main growing areas are in the Mediterranean region, in southern China and in Puerto Rico. The citron is known as "citron" in English and "cidro" in Spanish, while the lemon is known as "lemon" (English) and "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, in English "Lime" or in Spanish "Limero", is closely related to the citron or lemon, but is nevertheless an independent species with numerous subspecies. Literally translated, the term "lime" means something like "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 (ergo lemons), which is why they are very popular for preparing cocktails or for cooking or baking. However, limes also contain significantly less vitamin C than their large, yellow cousins. Incidentally, thanks to their thicker skin, lemons have a longer shelf life than the thinner-skinned limes.
A comparison of the nutritional values of lime and lime
100 grams of fresh lime / lemon contain:
- 47 calories / 39 calories
- 1.9 grams of carbohydrates / 3.2 grams (including three grams of sugar)
- 29 milligrams vitamin C / 51 milligrams
- 0.3 milligrams of vitamin E / 0.4 milligrams
- and small amounts of vitamins B1, B2 and B6
- also iron and zinc
- and 6 milligrams magnesium / 28 milligrams
- and 33 milligrams calcium/11 milligrams
Fresh lemons also contain chloride, sulphur, potassium (up to 170 milligrams per 100 grams of fruit!), phosphorus (16 milligrams) and small amounts of copper, fluoride and iodine.
Citrons have little flesh, which is why the thick fruit rind is primarily used. This is candied (as citron) and used in baked goods and sweets. In addition, the berries are used to flavor dishes, to make jam, as part of salads and to flavor soft drinks and alcoholic beverages.
IJA