Lemons and Limes: Their differences and health benefits – Lemons and limes are known for their sour, tangy tasty. They are used interchangeably. However, they do have many differences. This article will be discussing these differences and benefits.
Even though lemons and limes are closely related, they are not genetically the same. Some scientists believe that lemons were created as a hybrid of citron and limes. However, this is only one of the many theories.
Lemons and limes belong to the category of ‘citric fruits’, just like tangerines, grapefruit and oranges.
Both of them are grown in almost every part of the world, however, lemons grow the best in moderate climates, whereas limes are usually grown in tropical and subtropical climates.
Citrus limon and citrus aurantifolia are the scientific names for lemons and limes, respectively.
Both limes and lemons are used in various culinary delights around the world. They are used for cooking, flavor or food preservation. They are also used widely in medicines and skincare products.
What are their similarities?
Lemons and limes have a lot in common in terms of nutritional value and the potential health benefits they offer. They both offer the same amounts of carbs, fats and calories, with limes containing an insignificant amount of carbs and calories more than lemons. Lemons are a little more richer in Vitamin C than limes, but they both contain high amounts of this vitamin.
Lemons generally offer more nutrients like potassium, folate and pyridoxine.
Traditional medicine from many cultures have been known to use lemons and limes to make medicines.
Since Vitamin C is one of the major nutrients found in both the fruits, it is great for building a strong immunity system and works as antioxidants. It also has anti-bacterial properties. However, almost all scientific research has been limited to test-tube and animal studies.
One of the most prominent differences among both of these fruits is their size, shape and color. Lemons are bright yellow, while limes are green in color. Sometimes, the limes may turn yellow when they ripen. Limes are rounder than lemons and smaller, too. Lemons tend to be 7-12 centimeters in diameter while limes are about 3-6 centimeters in diameter.
Both of them have very similar flavors. They are both very sour. However, lemons do have a slightly sweet taste to them, while limes are more on the bitter side. Even while cooking, it has almost similar uses.
In a nutshell, both lemons and limes are citric fruits. Limes are round, green fruits, while lemons are oval-shaped, yellow fruits. Both are tart fruits and have various culinary and medicinal uses. Both of them are primarily sour in taste, however, lemon tends to be more on the sweet side while limes tend to be more bitter.
