Lime in India is called lemon. It is a small evergreen tree or shrubs and is part of the citrus family. The yellow fruit of the tree is used across the world for its juice. The fruits are small, round or oval with green flesh which becomes yellow as they age.
Lime has a rind and a pulpy part. The rind is used in cooking and baking in several dishes across the world. Seeds form inside the pulpy portion within the lime. We typically remove the seeds and then extract the juice. The juice is acidic in nature.
The size of a lime in India is 3-4 cms in diameter and have a thick rind which is green when unripe and becomes on maturity.
The leaves have glossy leaves and their flowers are fragrant. There are some varieties which are almost seedless.
There are several varieties such as key lime, kaffir lime, Persian lime, finger lime, etc. each with its own unique features.
Lime oil is also produced through a specific process called steam distillation. the world production in lime is led by India closely followed by Mexico.
How is it used for cooking? In India, it is used to make lime juice or lime and soda. Apart from this, it is used to make specific dishes such as lemon rice, lemon rasam and lemon pickle. Lemon – ginger pickle is also highly popular here. The pickling process differs across the country but it is widely made across entire India.
Lime is generally used in India for its medicinal properties including the fact that it enhances immunity to a person.
There are two ways to propagate a lime tree. If you are working with the seed, it can take 4-7 years to bear fruit while if the plant is grafted, it can bear fruit within 2-3 years. It entirely depends on the variety, climate, soil quality and care.
Kagazi lime can be grown in a pot also. This grows to a manageable size. Pot size should be at least 18-20 inches deep and wide. Soil should be slightly acidic and well draining. Once the soil is ready, make a large hole in the centre (larger than the root ball and place it down gently into it and secure it with soil on all sides. Water it well.
There are some common pests like aphids and mealybugs which attack this plant. The most effective way is to spray the plant with neem oil mixed with water.
As it grows, it needs to be fed with compost, or vermi-compost to make it fruit better. The pot should be placed in a spot with adequate sunlight. Once the flowers start to appear, you can be certain that the plant is fine. Once the limes grow to full size and become yellow, cut it with scissors rather than pulling it off. Pulling might damage the plant.
Limes are very rewarding to grow. It also teaches you patience and consistency. The rewards are immense. Try growing a lime tree.
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