Plants

Difference between Lemon and Lime

Closely related citrus fruits

Lemons and limes are grown all over the world. Lemons mostly in temperate climates, while limes grow in tropical and subtropical regions.

Both fruits are a good source of vitamin C, which strengthens the immune system, reduces inflammation and stimulates collagen production.

These two fruits are known for their tart flavor and have culinary uses around the world. They can be used for cooking, preserving food, or simply as a flavoring agent.

Lemon and lime essential oils are often used for cosmetic and medicinal purposes. They are also found in many household cleaning products, giving them fragrant and antibacterial properties.

Lemon vs. Lime - point by point

1.Color

Most obvious distinctive feature is their color. Lemons are usually bright yellow, while limes are usually a bright shade of green. However, some types of limes turn yellow when they ripen.

2.Taste

They are similar in taste but lemons tend to be a little sweeter while limes have more bitter taste.

3.Size

Lemon on average 5 to 8 cm (2 to 3 in) while limes are 3 to 6 cm (1,2 to 2,4 in).

4.Vitamin C

Lemon has 82% more Vitamin C than lime, yet both are a good source of it.

5.Sugar

Lemons are much sweeter than limes and contain 47% more sugar on average.

Summary

When it comes to cooking, both citrus fruits are used in similar ways.

Both are great for salad dressings, sauces, marinades, drinks and cocktails. Which fruit you choose will likely be based on the flavor profile of the dish.

Because limes are more bitter, they are often reserved for savory dishes, while the sweetness of lemons lends itself to broader application in both sweet and savory meals.

Nutritional value

Per 100 g (3,5 oz.)

	Lemon	Lime
Energy	29 kcal (121 kJ)	30 kcal (126 kJ)
Sugars	2,5 g	1,7 g
Dietary fiber	2,8 g	2,8 g
Fat	0,3 g	0,2 g
Proteins	1,1 g	0,7 g

Vitamin B1	0,04 mg	0,03 mg
Vitamin B2	0,02 mg	0,02 mg
Vitamin B3	0,1 mg	0,2 mg
Vitamin B5	0,19 mg	0,217 mg
Vitamin B6	0,08 mg	0,046 mg
Vitamin B9	11 μg	8 μg
Vitamin C	53 mg	29,1 mg

Calcium	26 mg	33 mg
Iron	0,6 mg	0,6 mg
Magnesium	8 mg	6 mg
Manganese	0,03 mg	no data
Phosphorus	16 mg	18 mg
Potassium	138 mg	102 mg