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". Like other types of citrus, limes and lemons are closely related.
spread of the lime
The area of origin of the lime is assumed to be primarily in India and on the Malay Peninsula. Citrus aurantiifolia, the Mexican lime or "Bartender lime", is currently considered to be the citrus fruit most commonly grown in the tropics and subtropics. It is also sold in German supermarkets much more frequently than other types of lime. In Southeast Asia, species that are quite unknown to us, 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 mainly used as a lime substitute due to their fruity aroma. The plant grows bushy and compact and is ideal for cultivation in tubs. In addition, the Rangpur lime is very insensitive to cold. Marmalade made from Rangpur limes is an insider tip - it is said to taste even better than bitter orange marmalade.
cultivation of the lime
The cold-sensitive plants can be grown in the equatorial tropics at altitudes of up to 1000 meters. In terms of water supply, they are significantly more frugal than other citrus species. The numerous cultivars are grown from seeds or root crops and grown in gardens or plantations. The plants can flower and bear fruit all year round.
Where are limes grown today?
Today, the limes available in supermarkets come mainly 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. After a few days of storage, however, the quality begins to deteriorate as the thin skins of the berries dry out and turn black. Export fruits are usually treated with preservatives.
tips and tricks
You can process ripe limes together with the peel into jam, jelly or syrup. In the Near East, the dried berries are very popular for flavoring tea and dishes. The limes are boiled in water and then dried in the sun. After all, you simply cook, pierced or slightly crushed, when preparing the food.
IJA