Do limes turn into lemons or are they different?
No, limes do not turn into lemons as they are completely different fruit! Once lemons reach their full ripeness and are ready to be picked, they’re a bright and vibrant yellow and limes tend to be green. If you keep the lemon on your tree till fully ripe, it can change color and that’s the reason why many people believe that limes are ripe lemons.
Limes and lemons are commonly confused due to their similar shapes and sizes, but they have quite a couple of significant differences between the two.
The lemons have a more bitter flavor, while lemons tend to be sweet. Both are well-known and nutritious fruit that have a range of similarities and distinctions, which is exactly what we’re about to discuss during this post.
Lemons Vs Limes
Lemons and limes are connected, but they have different genetics and are grown in different climates. Lemons are typically grown in mild climates, whereas limes can be found mostly in subtropical and tropical climates.
They’re similar in flavor and smell, but they differ in taste. They are both fruits recognized for their acidic and bitter flavor and are utilized similarly when baking or cooking typically making simple substitutions necessary.
They’re also regarded for their essential oil properties which are utilized for cosmetic and medical uses, as well as providing scent and cleansing power to cleaning products.
Difference Between Lemons and Limes
While from a distance, the limes and lemons appear alike in their shape but they’re a bit different.
Limes are smaller and more round usually around 2 inches in diameter however lemons are twice as large with a diameter of around 2-4 inches with a more Oval shape.
When they’re ripe, the lemons turn a brilliant and vivid yellow and limes appear quite green.
Certain limes can become yellow as they age, but this could make it difficult to discern the distinction between the two kinds of fruits.
Lemon trees can reach up to 20 feet in height with broad branches and large, oblong leaves. Lime trees, on contrary, tend to be smaller and have smaller leaves.
Types of Lemons and Limes
There are at the very least 25 types of lemons that have been recorded but the most commonly used varieties that are lemons include Lisbon, Eureka, and Meyer lemons.
Eureka lemons are among the most frequently used, mainly due to the fact that they are available all year round. Lisbon lemons are very similar however they are smaller on one side, and sit on a thorny tree during cold temperatures. The thornless Eureka tree is more suited to warmer climates.
The Meyer lemon, despite being called”lemon, “lemon” is actually a combination of sweet lemon and sweet orange. They’re sweeter and juicier than any of the two and feature the color of a yellowish-orange.
Meyer lemons are commonly used in desserts such as this delicious lemon bar.
The 20 varieties of limes, and unlike lemons, the distinctions in varieties are much more apparent.
The most well-known Key Lime is Key Lime. Key Lime is rounder, yellower with more acidity than other limes.
The variety is a product of its home in the Florida Keys, hence its name, but as of when the North American Free Trade Agreement was signed in 1994 most are growing in Mexico. It’s no longer legally Key limes, however, they’re still delicious and it’s hard to change.
Blood limes are blood red in color and are smaller than other varieties of lime. They have a more sweet taste as they’re a mix of mandarin lime and orange.
Kaffir limes are generally used to zest certain dishes as well as to enhance the flavor of oils. These limes are extremely round and bumpy, and the tiny amount of juice is bitter.
Drinking Lemons and Limes
Both lemons and limes have an acidic flavor, lemons are sweet while limes can be bitter.
The difference lies on the basis of pH: Lemons are acidic, with lower pH than 7 while limes can be less alkaline.
A lot of toxic food items have an unpleasant taste, which is why humans have developed a sensitivity to this flavor, which is why many people favor limes over lemons, despite the similarity.
What To Use Limes For
Despite a little bit of bitterness, limes are nutritious and delicious and can be found in numerous delicious dishes. If you’d like to have more limes in your life take a look at these:
- Key lime tart or yogurt Add some lemon juice in your yogurt to give it an interesting twist!
- Ceviche Ceviche all the most delicious recipes for ceviche are made using fresh lime juice
- Sparkling lime water Make sure you squeeze freshly squeezed lime juice in sparkling water to make a home-made spritzer
- A tangy salsainclude pieces of lime or lime juice into your salsa to give it a the tropical zing.
- fruit saladis best served with raisins, oranges and strawberries
What To Use Lemons For
It’s usually easier and less expensive to purchase an entire bag of lemons than one, so if you are left with extras take a look at these suggestions:
- Lemon zest or peel is the most nutritious portion of the lemon is used in the kitchen to flavour sauces and tea or to make tea using
- Lemon juice can be taken as an in-situ shot or added to your drink or made into frozen cubes, or used to flavor your drink that you prefer lemon juice is an absolute winner.
- Green beans with lemon – fresh lemon slices tossed into the dish of green beans, or other sauteed greens is delightful, particularly with a little crunch of and toasted walnuts with them.
- The lemon-flank steak. Fresh citrus juice as well as lemon wedges lighten up the steak and boost the taste of the meat perfectly
- Meringue lemon pie is a delicious sweet treat to share with your family
A fun fact – A lot of people eat your lemons sprinkled with salt or sprinkle sea salt on a glass of lemon water since it helps maintain fluid balance, aids in digestion, and boosts the effectiveness of your immune system.
Nutritional Comparison of Lemons Vs Limes
| Per 1 Fruit | Lemon Raw (108g) | Lime, raw (67 g) | ||
| Calories | 21.6 | 20.1 | ||
| Grams | Daily Value (DV) | Grams | Daily Value (DV) | |
| Fat | 0.3g | 0.1 | ||
| Carbohydrates | 11.6 | 7.1 | ||
| Sugar | ~ | 1.1g | ||
| Fiber | 5.1 | 1.9 | ||
| Protein | 1.3 | 0.5g | ||
| Vitamin A | 1% | 1% | ||
| Vitamin C | 139% | 32% | ||
| Vitamin B6 | 6% | 1% | ||
| Calcium | 7% | 2% | ||
| Iron | 4% | 2% | ||
| Magnesium | 3% | 1% | ||
| Copper | 14% | 2% |
Advantages and Disadvantages of Limes
Limes are extremely rich in vitamin C that can help boost the immune system. They also contain little quantities of potassium, vitamin B6 as well as iron.
Vitamin C, along with other antioxidants present in limes has been found to support healthy skin and help keep dry skin from becoming age-related.
Limes have also been proven to enhance iron absorption. could reduce the risk factors for kidney stones, heart disease, and some types of cancers.
There aren’t many reports of negative effects after eating limes. However, although possible, it’s certainly not impossible. If you’re afflicted with an allergy to citric fruits limes could cause breathing issues as well as hives and swelling.
Due to the acidity of lime, taking too much lime could trigger the symptoms associated with acid reflux like nausea, vomiting, or heartburn. Sometimes, it can be difficult to swallow.
Advantages and Disadvantages of Lemons
Limes, as well as lemons, are high in vitamin C and fiber, as well as other plant compounds that reduce the risk of developing heart disease and stroke and help you to manage your weight.
Lemons and water from lemons are often marketed as a diet to lose weight. There are many theories on why this is, but the most popular is that lemons are rich in pectin-soluble fiber that can help to expand your stomach and makes you feel fuller longer.
But lemon juice or water won’t give you the same amount of satisfaction, even though drinking plenty of water can aid.
Which One Is Healthier Which Is Better For You – Lime or Lemon?
Both fruits are extremely healthy and provide many health benefits, including reducing the risk of cancer, and kidney stones and boosting your general health.
Lemons are a great source of minerals and vitamins, including folate, potassium as well as vitamin B6, and Vitamin C. They are generally favored for their flavor which makes it much easier to incorporate them into your everyday routine, or menu.
If you’re forced to pick between the two the lemons are probably your preferred choice. There’s a reason for both when you’re given the chance!
Interesting Facts & Questions
Is A Lemon A Berry?
In the realm of botany, any plant with seeds is considered to be a fruit. The seeds are the way that plants reproduce, and both limes and lemons contain seeds, so they are both considered to be fruits.
What Are The Advantages of Drinking Lime Water?
Lime water is a great source of advantages for health, the greatest is that it makes people drink more water since the lime wedge provides some flavor to a bland drink.
Lime and water alone provide a wealth of health benefits. However, when you mix them together, you can reap many more. Some of them include:
- Improves your diet
- Can aid digestion
- Reduces the risk of developing cancer
- It promotes weight loss
- Increases the strength of the immune system.
Where Did Limes Originate?
Lime trees can be found in subtropical and tropical climates. They originate from Southeast Asia.
Arab traders introduced lime in Egypt along with Northern Africa in the 10th century, and they can be found throughout the globe. Nowadays, more than 40 percent of commercial lime production is sourced out of Mexico as well as Brazil.
