The Tropical Fruit Forum

Tropical Fruit => Tropical Fruit Discussion => Topic started by: johnb51 on September 02, 2012, 05:31:45 PM

Title: Lima
Post by: johnb51 on September 02, 2012, 05:31:45 PM
Does anyone know the South American fruit, which is called "lima" in Bolivia and Peru?  In flavor it's like a cross between lemon and lime, but sweet and a little bland.  It's also, I believe, a little larger than either and somewhat irregular in shape with a light green skin.  I can't find the scientific name or scholarly information on the internet--only one casual reference.  I'm growing 2 plants from seed. 
Title: Re: Lima
Post by: siafu on September 02, 2012, 08:55:47 PM

Could it be one of these two sweet limes: Citrus × limetta or Citrus × limettioides

Quote
- la lima dulce, lima chichona o lima bergamota, también conocida como limón dulce, limonsón o limón de Roma (Citrus × limetta); más similar al limón en tamaño, grosor de la piel y color, se distingue sobre todo por su bajísima astringencia y por los característicos pezones en ambos extremos;

- la lima dulce india o lima de Palestina, también conocida como limón dulce o limón de Persia (Citrus × limettioides), tiene piel y pulpa amarillas, sin semillas, y superficie lisa y cerúlea; carece casi por completo de acidez;

from wikipedia...


Title: Re: Lima
Post by: Cookie Monster on September 02, 2012, 09:46:05 PM
Sounds a little like the palestine sweet lime (Citrus limettiodes - as pointed out siafu), which can sometimes be found at home depot / lowes. My wife really likes them, but I consider them to be insipid.

Does anyone know the South American fruit, which is called "lima" in Bolivia and Peru?  In flavor it's like a cross between lemon and lime, but sweet and a little bland.  It's also, I believe, a little larger than either and somewhat irregular in shape with a light green skin.  I can't find the scientific name or scholarly information on the internet--only one casual reference.  I'm growing 2 plants from seed.
Title: Re: Lima
Post by: davidgarcia899 on September 02, 2012, 10:01:41 PM
I don't think anyone has actually studied Lima's. They exist all over Latin America, but not as commercial fruit. I've heard different explanations of what they are. Usually they are described as lemon-limes or sour orange and lime. I don't think anyone is really sure, but I have a seedling that is about 6 ft now and has yet to set fruit. I have been told its better that sour orange for making mojo.
Title: Re: Lima
Post by: Tropicdude on September 02, 2012, 11:38:04 PM
Here in the DR, nothing is called Lima,  although "Lima" is the Spanish translation of "lime" they do not use that word here.  Limes here are called Limon ( Lemons ).   

Most names for citrus are just nick names.  Limon Dulce ( sweet lemon ) which sounds like your description of Lima,  Naranja Agria = Sour Orange, used for flavoring / cooking.    Limon Criollo = same as Key Lime or Mexican Lime,  in recent years the so called Limon Persia ( Persian Lime ) are being grown commercially.

I have a Lemon or Lime, tree of a variety I have never heard of, called a "Limon California" , like a Persian lime, but flavor more like an Lemon, so who knows maybe it is a lemon, but they do not turn yellow when ripe.

Valencia Oranges are known by the general public, but the rest are generally called either Naranja Dulce, or Agria.  commercial growers are familiar with varieties though.

Seems to be a big mix up with citrus names, in Latin America.
Title: Re: Lima
Post by: bsbullie on September 03, 2012, 12:23:14 AM
Sounds a little like the palestine sweet lime (Citrus limettiodes - as pointed out siafu), which can sometimes be found at home depot / lowes. My wife really likes them, but I consider them to be insipid.

Does anyone know the South American fruit, which is called "lima" in Bolivia and Peru?  In flavor it's like a cross between lemon and lime, but sweet and a little bland.  It's also, I believe, a little larger than either and somewhat irregular in shape with a light green skin.  I can't find the scientific name or scholarly information on the internet--only one casual reference.  I'm growing 2 plants from seed.
How does it compare to the Sambuca Sanbokan Lemon?

Edit due to stupid smart phone...happens every time I post on the phone.
Title: Re: Lima
Post by: murahilin on September 03, 2012, 12:36:08 AM
Sounds a little like the palestine sweet lime (Citrus limettiodes - as pointed out siafu), which can sometimes be found at home depot / lowes. My wife really likes them, but I consider them to be insipid.
How does it compare to the Sambuca Lemon?

If I remember correctly, I agree with Jeff and the Palestinian sweet lime was insipid. I do remember that the Sanbokan lemon is delicious and one of my favorite citrus. Sweet with a nice lemon flavor.
Title: Re: Lima
Post by: bsbullie on September 03, 2012, 12:44:25 AM
Sounds a little like the palestine sweet lime (Citrus limettiodes - as pointed out siafu), which can sometimes be found at home depot / lowes. My wife really likes them, but I consider them to be insipid.
How does it compare to the Sambuca Lemon?

If I remember correctly, I agree with Jeff and the Palestinian sweet lime was insipid. I do remember that the Sanbokan lemon is delicious and one of my favorite citrus. Sweet with a nice lemon flavor.
Damn smart phones...I type Sanbokan and it comes out Sambuca.  I agree that the Sanbokan Lemon is a very good citrus.  I was just wondering if the sweet lime was as good.
Title: Re: Lima
Post by: murahilin on September 03, 2012, 01:06:33 AM
Damn smart phones...I type Sanbokan and it comes out Sambuca.  I agree that the Sanbokan Lemon is a very good citrus.  I was just wondering if the sweet lime was as good.

Sure, blame the phone! I don't think the sweet lime is any good. Do you have a Sanbokan tree growing? I haven't had the fruit in years.
Title: Re: Lima
Post by: davidgarcia899 on September 03, 2012, 10:37:37 AM
As far as I know I have heard that Lima exist in Cuba, Mexico, Guatemala, Honduras, and Panama.
Title: Re: Lima
Post by: bsbullie on September 03, 2012, 11:43:52 AM
As far as I know I have heard that Lima exist in Cuba, Mexico, Guatemala, Honduras, and Panama.
It also exists in Peru

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lima (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lima)

I am sorry guys and gals, just one of those days... ;D ;D ;D ;D
Title: Re: Lima
Post by: Cookie Monster on September 03, 2012, 11:50:40 AM
Correct. Sanbokan definitely appeals more to the North American palate than does the palestine sweet lime.

Sounds a little like the palestine sweet lime (Citrus limettiodes - as pointed out siafu), which can sometimes be found at home depot / lowes. My wife really likes them, but I consider them to be insipid.
How does it compare to the Sambuca Lemon?

If I remember correctly, I agree with Jeff and the Palestinian sweet lime was insipid. I do remember that the Sanbokan lemon is delicious and one of my favorite citrus. Sweet with a nice lemon flavor.
Title: Re: Lima
Post by: BMc on September 03, 2012, 08:42:41 PM
Is it like a lemonade fruit? limon x reticulata?
Title: Re: Lima
Post by: cyclonenat on September 03, 2012, 09:21:18 PM
mmmmmmm lemonade fruit is soooooo good