Lemons and limes are among the most versatile and loved citrus fruits, commonly used in foods and beverages. A chef’s beloved, they brighten up the flavor and make zesty marinades. Bakers love their tanginess in cookies, pies, and muffins. And, who doesn’t love a lemonade?  

Lemons and limes don’t just give us their tangy, refreshing juice; even their zest is used to enhance flavor and garnish dishes in many world cuisines. But if you think that is all the potential these bright colored citrus fruits hold, you’re mistaken. These fruits are used for diverse purposes across a variety of products, such as cleaning agents. 

Our article today rounds up their characteristics, health benefits and risks, and usage. Let’s begin by clarifying some common misconceptions about lemons and limes.

Lemons versus limes 

Lemons and limes are often used interchangeably. However, while both belong to the genus Citrus of the plant family Rutaceae (rue), and are similar in characteristics, they are not the same. Confusion is often caused by their shared roots and properties, and the same or similar names in some languages. But the difference in their appearance and taste tells them apart. 

• Lemons are typically oval-shaped with a broad and low nipple and a thick-ish, bright yellow peel. Limes are smaller, rounder, and have a fine green peel. 
• While tartness is common to both, limes are a bitter-ish sour, and lemons are a sweet-ish sour. So, the lime juice is more green and bitter relative to lemon’s. Based on differences in their appearance and flavor, their culinary usage varies.   
• Lemons are richer in micronutrients relative to limes. For example, they boast more vitamin C and citric acid. But both lemons and limes have medicinal and health benefits long known to herbal medicine practitioners. 

Did humans make the lemon and lime?

In recent years, the idea that “life did not give us lemons (or limes), we made them” has been floated around and gained traction. But, available scientific evidence stands short of supporting the conclusion that lemons and limes are manmade hybrids. 

Both citrus fruits, like others we know, trace their ancestral roots back through 8 million years. It was somewhere in the foothills of the Himalayas (spanning northeastern India, northern Myanmar, and the northwestern Chinese province of Yunnan) that the mother plant once grew. 

Genomic studies conducted on 60 citrus varieties reveal interesting facts about their evolution. Presumably, during the shift in regional climate in the late Miocene period, the ancestral citrus species underwent a spree of diversification and spread across Southeast Asia. Researchers believe a similar event occurred in the early Pliocene period, giving birth to the Australian citrus species. 

Studies conducted on 100+ citrus cultivars tell us they come from 7 Asian and 3 Australian wild ancestral species (which trace their roots back to the mother plant). Not all 10, however, survived. It is believed that common cultivars like lemons, limes, oranges, and grapefruits were born as hybrids from the 4 natural ancestral species that remained.

Yet, to conclude that humans made these hybrid species by deliberation is at best a hasty judgment. 

The citrus species possess a rare genetic combo that makes them more sexually compatible and very prone to mutation. This means their genes must have kept mixing naturally for many millennia before human hands started to experiment with them. Many academics confirm there is no evidence of human-driven hybridization of the citrus species. They say human hands stepped in only when the naturally occurring fruits were first picked.   

The lemons and limes we consume today are thus no doubt the product of hybridization, but one that occurred naturally and not by human design. So yeah, life did give us lemons after all!   

Is lemon better or lime?

The nutritional profile of the 2 citrus fruits is very similar, with minor differences only. Their calorie count is about the same, no more than 30 per 100 gms. (about 3.5 oz.). Neither is great in macronutrients, but they’ve got the micros in plenty. 

• Vitamins: Lemons and limes are known for being rich sources of vitamin C, but lemons have more of it. A medium-sized lemon brings about 60% of the RDI. Lemons also have a higher content of folate. Limes are ahead in vitamin A.   
• Minerals: Lemons have a higher level of minerals like magnesium and potassium. On the other hand, limes are higher in vitamin A, calcium, and phosphorus.  

Both are low-glycemic citrus fruits and are assimilated slowly by the body. Adding a little lemon or lime juice to your starchy meal can help regulate the rise in blood glucose. 

Also, this citrus duo is a good source of antioxidants, flavonoids, and polyphenols, which protect the body from oxidative damage and stress, and chronic diseases like heart disease and diabetes.

Overall, the lemons have an edge over the limes, although not too pronounced. So, if you ask which one is better–the lemon or lime–the answer is to choose based on your intended usage. For instance, if you want more vitamin C, you should pick lemons. If your dish needs a bitter-ish sour, and not sweetish, go for the lime juice.

Health & medicinal benefits of lemons and limes 

Lemons and limes have been used to treat disease since ancient times. Medical practitioners in ancient cultures have used them to treat different chronic conditions and diseases.

• The Greeks used lemon peel in wine to calm the nerves. 
• In Egypt, medical practitioners used it for curing colds, fever, and digestive problems.
• Romans were the first to recognize the cleansing effect of lime juice on the body. They used it as a detoxifying agent in tonics, and also mixed it with honey to make a balm for skin diseases. 
• In India, ancient Ayurvedic medicine considers lemons and limes beneficial for colds, fever, digestive problems, issues with blood sugar and blood pressure, and calming the nervous system. 
• In many ancient medicinal cultures, lemons and limes were also considered a protection against poison.   

In more recent history, around the early 18th century, citrus fruits were found to cure scurvy, a disease that had killed scores of British navy personnel. However, it took medical science about 2 centuries to identify vitamin C and determine that its deficiency was the root cause of scurvy. It was because of their vitamin C, James Lind was able to treat the English sailors by feeding them 2 oranges and a lemon every day. The improvement in their condition was remarkable after just one week. 

Today, we have evidence that proves why lemons and limes have been considered beneficial for health by ancient medicinal cultures for ages. 

• The essential oil in their peel has a relaxing effect, reduces anxiety, and improves mood more effectively than other essential oils. Also, they are good sources of potassium for the nervous system. Lack of potassium is a factor in anxiety and depression. Also, the anti-microbial properties of lemon oil can help promote the healing of wounds, and its anti-fungal properties make it effective against problems like yeast infections and athlete’s foot.
• Their vitamin C is an immune system booster and helps fight infections, which is why lemons and limes have been used to relieve the severity and duration of the symptoms of cold and flu for ages. Vitamin C is now also known to be linked with a lower risk of heart disease, improved insulin sensitivity, and better absorption of iron from plant-based foods. Moreover, it protects existing collagen in the cells and aids the production of this vital protein essential to the smooth working of joints. 
• Their antioxidants are efficient hunters of free radicals. So, lemon and lime intake helps reduce oxidative stress, chronic inflammation, and the impact of conditions like sore throats, respiratory tract infections, and arthritis. Preliminary research shows antioxidants play a positive role in managing cholesterol levels in the bloodstream and improving the elasticity of blood cells to lower blood pressure. 
• The citric acid in them helps prevent kidney stone formation and disintegrates the small ones. It works by coating the small stones and not letting other substances get attached and build them into problematic stones. Citric acid is also known to stimulate the production of stomach acid and bile essential to gut health. It boosts the metabolism and can play an effective role in enhancing fat burn to aid weight loss/management.  

How to make lemons & limes part of your daily diet  

1. Adding lemon or lime juice to your water or tea is one of the best ways to benefit from the nutritional value of these citrus fruits. 
2. In summer, you don’t need to think further than a healthy lemonade made from honey or maple syrup instead of white or brown sugar. 
3. Lemon or lime juice in hot water with some honey is a great boost when you start your day. 
4. Use lemon or lime juice to make your salad dressings. A lemon vinaigrette for crunchy veggies needs only a few basic ingredients. Check out this recipe by Jeanine & Jack.
5. And if it’s the whole lemons you are after, nothing better than preserved lemons. Mediterranean in character, it’s a popular condiment in North African and Middle Eastern cuisines. The lemons ferment in salt and their juice for some time (weeks or months). The peel and pith become soft, and when the preserve is ready, the lemons have a mellow flavor that is salty and very lemony. Here is a quick and easy-to-follow recipe from thekitchn. 

Minor risks and side effects of lemon & lime juice  

Lemon juice is a godsend, and taking lemon juice in moderation, diluted with water or adding it to your cooking, makes it safe to consume. However, it can be harmful if consumed undiluted and in excess, so caution is advised. 

• People with gastrointestinal reflux disease, GERD (the reflux of stomach acid into the oesophagus, commonly known as heartburn), or stomach ulcers, should consume lemon and lime juice with great care. 
• Excess of the highly acidic juice can lead to the erosion of dental enamel over time, and cause tooth sensitivity and caries. The acidic environment may also precipitate canker sores or mouth ulcers.
• Individuals with tyramine sensitivity may suffer from migraines after consumption of lemon juice. Tyramine is a natural amino acid found in lemons. 
• Lemon water is good for hydration, but also acts as a diuretic and increases urination. If lemon water is not followed by good amounts of other fluid intake, it may lead to mild forms of dehydration. 

The remarkable versatility of lemons and limes 

Use ‘em in cooking, baking & drinks

1. The juice of lemons and limes adds brightness and tang to your cooking; makes salad dressings, marinades, soups, dips, and sauces; prevents cut fruit from browning; and makes your meats tender. Even the zest and peel are used to add color, flavor, and aroma to broths and stews. 
2. The acidic flavor of lemon and lime juice balances the sweetness in your bakes. Its citrus notes bring out the flavor of fresh fruits in pies. It enhances the texture of your cakes by acting as a leavening agent for the pastry dough, making it more moist, and inhibiting gluten formation. Also, it’s often used to make a tangy glaze for a cake and cookie topping.
3. The tart flavor of the juice and its lovely fresh color are perfect for making a variety of drinks such as lemonades, iced tea, cocktails, and more. 

Or use ‘em for squeaky cleaning & more

1. The super low pH of the lemon and lime juice makes it an effective cleaning agent. 
2. It removes stains and grease from surfaces and cooking utensils.
3. It gets rid of mineral buildup or lime scale on pots and faucets
4. It polishes copper surfaces and removes rust. 
5. It is a great disinfectant–for the wooden cutting board in your kitchen, and more.
6. It deodorizes–if you place a cut lemon in the refrigerator, it helps prevent odors.  

Concluding words…

Lemons and limes are all-rounders when it comes to the kitchen–renew your friendship with these magnificent citrus fruits. Make them part of your daily diet anyway you prefer. Start by enjoying the summer with low-sugar homemade lemonade or savor your favorite kebab and grill with a zesty salad dressed in a lemon vinaigrette.