10 Difference Between Lemon And Lime Trees

Lime and lemon are among the most popularly consumed citrus fruits around the world. They are major ingredients in culinary creations, from zesty beverages to mouthwatering desserts. While both lime and lemon share similarities, they also have many differences.

In this article, let us talk about the difference between lime and lemon. By looking at their native areas or their origins, physical characteristics and flavor profiles.

Lime Trees

Lime trees, scientifically known as Tilia, are a genus of deciduous trees that belong to the family Malvaceae. They are native to the temperate regions of the Northern Hemisphere, including Europe, Asia and North America.

Lime trees are medium to large-sized trees. They grow between 15-50feet in height. Most lime trees start producing fruit between 2 to 5 years after being planted, although some may take longer. They produce small, fragrant flowers that are pale yellow or cream-colored.

Most lime fruits are bright green in color when they are fully ripe. There are some varieties that develop a yellowish hue when ripe. Lime juice from the fruits can be used marinades, salad dressings, sauces and desserts. The juice can also be used to enhance the flavor of both alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages.

Types of Limes

• Key Lime: They are small in size with a yellow-green rind.
• Persian Lime: It is larger than the key lime, with a bright green rind that turns yellow as it ripens.
• Kaffir Lime: It is small in size and has a double-lobed shape.
• Finger Lime: This is an unusual lime variety with elongated, cylindrical fruits that resemble small pickles.
• Sweet Lime: This fruit resembles a small, round lemon. It has a thick, pale yellow to greenish-yellow rind.

Lemon Trees

Lemon trees also known as Citrus limon are native to Asia, specifically the region stretching from northeastern India to northern Burma. Today, they are now grown in many parts of the world. They grow best in subtropical to tropical regions with mild winters and warm, sunny summers.

Lemon trees are grown from seeds or grafted onto rootstocks. Lemon trees usually begin to bear fruit after three to five years of growth. The trees can even be grown in containers. The trees flower in spring, producing fragrant white blossoms.

Lemon fruits are oval in shape and have a thick, textured rind. The inner flesh is juicy and acidic, with a tangy flavor. They are commonly used in salads, marinades, sauces and desserts whereas the juice can be used to flavor water, teas and cocktails.

Types of lemons

• Eureka Lemon: It has a bright yellow color and a relatively thick and bumpy skin
• Lisbon Lemon: It is similar to the Eureka lemon in appearance (Bright yellow in color).
• Meyer Lemon: These lemons are smaller and rounder than the Eureka and Lisbon varieties. They have a thin, smooth and deep yellow to orange-colored skin.
• Ponderosa Lemon: These lemons are larger than the average lemon and can sometimes grow to the size of a grapefruit. They have a thick, bumpy and pale-yellow skin.
• Femminello Lemon: They have a bright yellow, thin skin and a slightly sweeter and less acidic flavor compared to Eureka or Lisbon lemons

Key Difference

1. Tree size: Lemon trees are usually larger and taller, reaching heights of between 10 and 20 feet. Lime trees are generally smaller, reaching heights of between 6 and 12 feet.
2. Fruit Size and Shape: Lime fruits are smaller, rounder and tend to be green in color when ripe. Lemon fruits are larger, oval-shaped and turn yellow when they ripen.
3. Flavor and Taste: Limes have a tangy and acidic flavor with a slight bitter undertone. Lemons have a more pronounced sourness and are sometimes described as more tart and acidic compared to limes.
4. Color of Leaves: Lime trees have darker green leaves. The leaves tend to be somehow smaller and narrower. Lemon tree leaves are broader and can appear lighter green.
5. Thorniness: Lemon trees often have thorns, especially on younger branches and the trunk. Lime trees are thornless or have very few thorns, making them easier to handle and harvest.
6. Growing Conditions: Most Lemon trees grow well in tropical and subtropical regions of the world. Lime trees can grow well in both warm and temperate climates.
7. Availability: Lemons are usually harvested in the winter and early spring. Limes are harvested in the summer and fall.
8. Pulp texture: Lemon pulp is often juicy and fibrous. Lime pulp is more tender and less fibrous.
9. Peels: Lemons tend to have a thicker peel, while lime peels are quite thin.
10. Culinary Use: Lime and lemon are used in beverages, marinades, dressings and desserts. Lemons are commonly used for lemonade, lemon pies, savory dishes, salad dressings and as a garnish.

Lemon vs Lime Trees In Tabular Form