Lime

History and origin

Lime and yellow lemon share the same ancestor, the citron (Citrus Medica), but have different mothers, the lime coming from a wild citrus fruit close to combawa. Although often confused, they are actually two distinct species. The lime was first cultivated in India, Malaysia, and Southeast Asia, before spreading to the Arab world and Europe. Like the lemon, it was essential for sailors, preventing scurvy during long sea voyages, thus playing a key role in the history of navigation.

Variety and cultivation

Lime comes from the lime tree, with two main species: Citrus aurantiifolia (key lime) and Citrus latifolia (Persian lime tree, seedless). It prefers a warm, humid climate with well-drained soil. Smaller and sensitive to cold than the lemon, Mexico is the world’s leading producer.

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