Palestinska slatka limeta

Sweet lemon and sweet lime refer to groups of citrus hybrids that contain low acid pulp and juice. The sweet lemons and sweet limes are not derived from lemons or the more common limes, and they arose from distinct citrus hybridizations. Citrus limettioides is often confused with the sweet lemon, Citrus limetta, which in certain areas is called sweet lime. The limetta derives from a citron/sour orange cross. Citrus limettioides is alternatively considered a cultivar of Citrus × limon.

Names and Taxonomy

The Indian sweet lime is the mitha nimbu of India and the limûn helou or succari of Egypt. The name Palestine sweet lime distinguishes it from the Millsweet and Tunisian limettas, which are commonly called sweet limes. Sweet limes and sweet lemons are not sharply separated, and in some of the literature it is impossible to tell which fruit is under discussion. Palestinian sweet lime is mainly used as a rootstock and is described as a citron, mandarin and pomelo hybrid. The sweet lemons and sweet limes form a mixed group that also includes the lumia, the limetta and the Jaffa lemon.

Origin and Production

In Egypt's new reclamation zones, the government favours the cultivation of a variety of Citrus trees. Sweet lime leaves, flowers and peels were gathered from Egypt's west, south and north for analysis. The content of the leaf, flower and peel oils varies with the planting site.

Chemistry of the Oils

The main constituents of the leaf, flower and peel oils are citronellal (53.8-54.1%), nerol (49.5-53.3%) and limonene (69.3-73.4%), respectively. Leaf and flower oils mostly contain oxygenated monoterpenes, while peel oil primarily contains monoterpene hydrocarbons. The oils were separated from the plant organs by hydrodistillation and analysed by gas chromatography and gas chromatography/mass spectroscopy. The highest concentrations of the major components and chemical classes in the oils were found in samples from the south location.

Uses

The juice and zest can be used in cooking to add a tangy flavor to food, and are especially used in Middle Eastern and Southeast Asian cuisine. Components of Citrus limettioides can be made into a medicine that helps relieve respiratory illnesses such as coughing, chest pressure, colds, and congestion. The peel essential oil has been studied for its larvicidal effect on Aedes aegypti. Sweet lime essential oil is employed in the food and pharmaceutical industries because of its biological qualities and safety for human consumption.