Limetta

NaturalCITRUSsweet · fresh
TopPyramid
4/5Strength
24hTenacity
1Origins
Specimen
Limetta perfume ingredient
Top
Citrus limetta
Definition

Sweet lime with lower acidity than standard lime. Rounder, almost bergamot-adjacent.

FLORAL CITRUS GREEN SWEET WARM FRESH
SWEET LIME INDIAN SWEET LIME
Type
Ingredient
Olfactive family
Citrus
Subfamily
Zesty citrus
Cluster
Lemon-lime sharp citrus
Source
fruit peel
Chemical class
complex natural (expressed oil)
Instruments
Pyramid
TTop
HHeart
BBase
4/5Strength
High
odour strength
Tenacity on blotter
24hours
1 h6 h24 h3 d7 d400 h
Producing countries
India

Scent

Limetta presents a bright and zesty aroma, characterized by its sweet and slightly floral nuances. The scent of a sun-ripened citrus grove, where the air is filled with the essence of freshly picked limes, yet softened by a gentle sweetness that distinguishes limetta from its more tart counterparts. The fragrance is both refreshing and soothing.

Scent Evolution

As the scent unfolds, the initial brightness gives way to a more rounded sweetness, like a freshly squeezed limeade. This evolution makes limetta an adaptable note, ideal for both uplifting top notes and softening heart notes in a fragrance blend. The warm, sunny quality of limetta supports compositions.green notes, as well as other citrus elements.

Terroir & Expressions

The Full Story

Limetta, also known as sweet lime, is a citrus fruit that hails from the family Rutaceae. Primarily cultivated in India and parts of the Mediterranean, this fruit has a rich history of use as a culinary delight and in perfumery. The sweet, juicy flesh is favored for its mild flavor compared to other citrus fruits, and its zest holds aromatic compounds that make it a valued ingredient in fragrance formulations.

Origin and Production

The cultivation of limetta datesback centuries, with its rootsdeeply embedded in traditional practices. Its gentle scent carries feelings of freshness and vitality. In perfumery, limetta has a unique alternative to the more commonlemonand lime notes, lending softer, sweeter citrus experience that is both bracing and comforting.

Chemistry and Scent Profile

Sourcing limetta involves careful harvesting of the fruit. The essential oil is typically obtained from the zest through cold pressing, a method that preserves the delicate aromatic properties of the fruit. This process allows perfumers to capture the essence of limetta, which can then be blended with a variety of other notes to create complex and balanced compositions.

Did You Know?

Limetta is often enjoyed fresh in salads and juices in its native regions.

Related notes: Bergamot · Bigarade · Bitter Orange · Blood Orange · Buddhas Hand · Calamansi · Candied Lemon · Chen Pi

Did You Know?

Limetta is often enjoyed fresh in salads and juices in its native regions.

Extraction & Chemistry

Extraction method

Cold pressing

Formula
Complex mixture — key component: limonene (C₁₀H₁₆)
CAS
89997-76-2 (Citrus limetta, ext.)
Botanical
Citrus limetta
Appearance
Yellow to golden mobile liquid
Odour strength
High
Lasting power
24 hours
Synonyms
SWEET LIME INDIAN SWEET LIME
IFRA status
Restricted

No IFRA Standard for Citrus limetta oil itself (51st Amendment). The Lime oil expressed Standard (CAS 8008-26-2, 90063-52-8; Category 4: 0.70%) covers Citrus aurantifolia oil.

Physical properties
Flash point
~ 115 °F. TCC ( ~ 46 °C. )
Specific gravity
0.855 to 0.863 @ 20 °C
Refractive index
1.474 to 1.477 @ 20 °C
Note
Citrus limetta Risso (sweet lime) essential oil. Values from Mexican pharmacopoeial norms and literature.

In Perfumery

In perfumery, limetta typically is a top note because of bright and lively character. Its sweet profile also complements woody and aromatic bases, offering a well-rounded experience. Perfumers appreciate limetta because it can add a touch of sweetness without overwhelming the composition, making it a valuable ingredient in both fresh and structured fragrances.

Role in the formula
01modifier
02signature note
03lifting agent
04blender
05volume builder
06freshness
Available as
expressed oil

See Also

7 notes