Lime Characteristics
Lime, a member of the citrus family, is a small-sized, bright green-skinned fruit with a very aromatic flavor. Although it shares similar characteristics with lemon, it is generally more acidic, more intensely scented, and has a thinner skin. The most common types are Key Lime and Persian Lime (Tahiti Lime). In addition to being consumed fresh, lime is widely used in beverages, sauces, desserts, cosmetics, and cleaning products.
History
Lime’s origin traces back to Southeast Asia, particularly the regions around India and Malaysia. It was spread to the Middle East and North Africa by Arab sailors and then reached Europe. In the 19th century, lime was used instead of lemon to prevent scurvy among British sailors, which led to English sailors being called “limey.” Today, the largest lime producers include Mexico, India, Brazil, Peru, and Egypt.
Health Benefits
Lime, with its high vitamin C content, strengthens the immune system. It is also rich in antioxidants, flavonoids, iron, calcium, potassium, and fiber. Thanks to its antibacterial properties, lime protects against infections, supports skin health, facilitates digestion, and helps eliminate toxins from the body. Lime juice is also known as a natural detoxifier that supports liver function.
Lime Harvesting, Packaging, and Export Process
Lime can generally be harvested year-round, but the most productive season for export-quality products is in the spring and summer. Ripeness is determined by the fruit’s firmness, bright green color, and characteristic aroma. Harvesting is typically done by hand, leaving the stem intact to help preserve the fruit’s freshness for a longer time.
The collected limes are classified based on size, color, and quality. After washing, natural drying, and sorting, they are packaged according to international food standards. Labels containing origin, production date, size, and quality class are placed on the packaging.
During storage, lime is kept in cold storage at temperatures of 8-10°C and 85-90% humidity. When stored under the right conditions, it is suitable for long-distance transportation. This makes lime a highly advantageous product in fresh fruit exports.
In the export process, necessary quality certificates, invoices, certificates of origin, and health certificates are prepared. Lime is transported primarily by sea and air to many countries, including Europe, the Middle East, and North America.
Conclusion
Lime stands out not only for its strong aroma but also for its rich content of health benefits. As a valuable product in tropical agriculture, lime has established a strong presence in global markets thanks to the correct harvesting and packaging processes.