Citrus Limetta

Citrus limetta, is a species of citrus, known as mosambi, sweet lime, sweet lemon, mousami, musami, and sweet limetta. It is a member of the sweet lemons. It is small and round like a common lime in shape. It is a cross between the citron (Citrus medica) and a bitter orange (Citrus x aurantium). Sweet lemon grows in tropical and subtropical climates. It begins bearing fruit at 5 to 7 years old, with peak production at 10 to 20 years. It is propagated by seed. As the name sweet lime suggests, the flavor is sweet and mild but retains the essence of lime. The lime's taste changes rapidly in contact with air and will turn bitter in a few minutes, but if drunk soon after being juiced, the taste is sweet. The flavor is a bit flatter than most citrus due to its lack of acidity. It can be compared to limeade and pomelo. Sweet lime is served as juice and is good as a mixer for vodka or rum. The juice is commonly sold at mobile road stalls in the Indian subcontinent. Like most citrus, the fruit is rich in vitamin C, providing 50 mg per 100 g serving and antioxidants. In Iran, it is popular as a house remedy to treat influenza and the common cold. This sweet limes photo was taken at Tehatta, West Bengal, India on august 28, 2023. (Photo by Soumyabrata Roy/NurPhoto)

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