Many people think, rather assume both lime and lemon are the same or can be used interchangeably. The basic uses of lemon and lime, the properties, as well as the health properties also vary. Lemon and lime, both have acidic properties. However, they vary slightly in terms of flavor and smell.
Every food in Ayurveda comes with certain healing and balancing properties. Lemon and lime come under the category of citrus fruits, which has the sour flavor. Both lemon and lime is used in cooking as well as for other purposes.
Lemon Vs Lime – The Flavor
Lemon tastes sour and acidic, while lime tastes bitter and acidic. The basic difference between these two fruits lies in the flavor. Why flavor is highlighted here? Flavor is one of the important elements of Ayurveda. Each flavor comes with healing, medicinal and balancing property.
The juice from lime tastes more acidic compared to that of lemon because of the sugar content which is present in lemon. Limes are plucked from the tree when they are green and unripe but fully grown. If they are allowed to ripe, they will turn to yellow color. Because of this many of us will get confused between lime and lemon. The lemons which we buy from the store are unripe one.
Features of Lemon
Not only the whole fruit or the fruit juice but also all parts of the plant are used in natural medicine and home treatment of some common diseases.
Lemon is rich in vitamin C, A, B1, B2. B3, and carotene, citric acid and malic acid. It also contains bioflavonoid, glucose, fructose, sugar, and minerals.
Lemon juice has lots of healing elements and properties like antioxidants, antitumor, alkalizing, detoxification and blood purifying property. It also helps to build body resistance towards infections and wounds.
Lemon juice is not only used as an antacid and immune booster but also used as a fat burner in reducing excess weight.
Features of Lime
Like other citrus fruits, lime also contains adequate amount of vitamins, dietary fiber, and minerals like calcium, potassium, iron, phosphorous, etc.
It also acts as antioxidants and bio-flavonoids that helps building immunity. Lime contains fewer amounts of calories, carbohydrates, and zero fats.
Its peel and pulp are also rich in polyphenols and terpenes.
The peel, oil, and juice of the fruit have antibacterial, antiseptic and disinfectant properties.
Lime has many health benefits includes weight loss, proper digestion, respiratory and urinary disorders, cures constipation, piles and peptic ulcer. It also plays a vital role in skin care and eye care. It helps in skin rejuvenation and protects it from infections. Due to the powerful fragrance component in lime, it is used in cosmetic products.
Differences between Lemon and Lime
There is no big difference between lime and lemon despite size, flavor, and color. The shape of lemon is ellipsoidal but the shape of lime is slightly smaller, ellipsoidal or oval.
Lemon have more sugar content which give sweet flavor compared to lime which is more sour and acidic in flavor. Lemons are rich in vitamin C content compared to lime which has slightly more carbohydrate. Lemon has sour, acidic taste while lime has bitter, acidic taste.
Why Lemon and Lime – An Overview
People think that lime and lemon can be interchanged. Yet, as given above, there is lots of difference in size, flavor, and color between these two fruits. These two fruits are like unity in diversity. They share some unique nutritional health benefits too.
They have low calories and a wide source of dietary fiber. They are also rich in vitamin C and B-9. In addition to the nutritional benefits, they also contain limonoids that helps in preventing cancer.
Lemon Vs Lime – In Cooking
Lemon is more common household ingredient, than Lime. Lemon juice is a favorite thirst quencher and a refreshing drink. It is used in salads, and other dishes. On the other hand, lime juice is also used in rice, meat and flour based dishes like pastas. Thin shavings of Lemon / lime skin are used as toppings for extra flavor and to add tangy punch.
In case of desserts, lemon is predominantly used from ice creams, meringues, cakes and cookies. Lime is quite acidic and it is used very sparingly.
Lemon Vs Lime – in Drinks and Cocktails
Many drinks use the extracts of both lemon and lime, at appropriate places. Lemonade is very common drink and limeade is a part of other drinks.
In cocktails and alcohol, addition of lemon juice and / or lime juice is popular. The subtle to tangy flavor profiles add additional zest to the drinks and cocktails.
Lemon Vs Lime – Other Uses
While lemon is the most common cooking, food and drink, lime comes with uses other than cooking also. It is used on scented products, aromatherapies and perfumes.
| Lemon Vs Lime comparison chart | ||
| Lemon | Lime | |
| Calcium | 26mg per 100g | 33mg per 100g |
| Vitamin C | 53 mg per 100g | 29 mg per 100g |
| Iron | 0.6mg per 100g | 0.6mg per 100g |
| Kingdom | Plantae | Plantae |
| Magnesium | 8mg per 100g | 6mg per 100g |
| Vitamin A | 22 IU per 100g | 50 IU per 100g |
| Family | Rutaceae | Rutaceae |
| Taste | Sour | bitter/sweet/sour |
| Other minerals | Traces of selenium, zinc, manganese and copper | Traces of selenium, zinc, manganese and copper |
| Potassium | 138mg per 100g | 102mg per 100g |
| Phosphorous | 16mg per 100g | 18mg per 100g |
| Folate (important during pregnancy) | 11mcg per 100g | 8mcg per 100g |
| Order | Sapindales | Sapindales |
| Genus | Citrus | Citrus |
| Species | Citrus x limon, among others | Citrus x latifolia, among others |
Conclusion:
Lemon and Lime contain almost similar nutritional value and health properties. However, due to high quantity if Vitamin C, antioxidants and folate, and versatile uses, lemon has an edge over lime.