Lime vs Lemon – Differences & Similarities
Lime and Lemon, these two genetically different fruits may look somewhat alike, but they have many differences, too. Well-known as a citrusy, acidic makeup and sour flavored fruit; both have multiple purposes and uses. They come in processed and fresh varieties, but both provide the same health benefits. Knowing more about them and their uses and benefits can help you determine if either is right in your diet.
Lime vs Lemon: Key Differences
Color
Just like they have similarities, they also have ways they are different. The biggest and most noticeable difference is that they are different colors. Lemons are yellow, while limes are green. However, limes can start to turn yellow as they age. This can make them hard to distinguish between lemons when they become older.
Size
Limes are smaller than lemons when looking at them. Lemons tend to be around 2 to 4 inches, while limes measure around 1 to 2 inches, so half that of a lemon. Limes are rounder, while lemons are more oval shaped.
Taste
Lemons are sweeter, while limes are more bitter – though both are sour. They’re used in different dishes because of this. You can expect lemons to be a part of savory and sweet dishes, while limes are reserved for just the savory. There is one exception to this, which is key lime pie.
Nutrition
In terms of nutrition, lime and lemon have more similarities than differences. But lemon contains almost twice as much Vitamin C as lime.
Lime vs Lemon: Nutrition Facts
Lemons and limes have many similarities compared to other types of fruits, even other citrus fruits. They are the same shape as one another, but also pose the same nutritional value to those who use them. By taking a look at their nutritional values, you can see that they’re relatively close.
| Nutrient | Lemon | Lime |
|---|---|---|
| Calories | 29 | 30 |
| Carbohydrates | 9g | 11g |
| Fiber | 3g | 3g |
| Fat | 0g | 0g |
| Protein | 1g | 1g |
| Vitamin C | 53mg | 29mg |
They also have the same vitamin content with Vitamin C, iron, potassium, Vitamins B9 and B6.
They both are high in antioxidant properties and share almost the same health benefits such as keeping the immune system healthy. Some studies have shown that they offer antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, and may even prevent some types of cancer.
They are made up of the same plant compounds which gives them the same nutritional value and other health benefits. More research is needed to find out if they’re able to provide any other medical benefits to humans.
Lime vs Lemon: Health Benefits
There are a number of health benefits that come from both lemons and limes. These benefits tend to be why many people choose to use these fruits in their cooking, or other uses.
Heart Healthy
Lemon water and lime water are both heart-healthy and provide a decent amount of vitamin C. This can also reduce your chances of a heart attack, heart disease, or stroke. The plant compounds and fiber that are found in these fruits work to aid the heart and circulatory system, keeping it healthy and regulated.
Weight Control
Lemons are thought of as great for weight control. You have to actually eat the lemon and not just drink the lemon juice in water to get the fiber and weight benefits. This can make you feel full for a longer period of time. Those on diets benefit.
Digestive Health
Those who want to improve their gut and digestion can do so with lemons. This is because when you add lemons into your diet, you’re getting the pectin which is fiber helping your body regulate and stay regulated. You have to eat the pulp for these benefits.
Sickle Cell
Those who suffer from sickle cell disease or anemia have found a number of benefits in both lemons and limes. The pulp has the vitamins and minerals, as well as plant compounds to help with inflammation in the body. It can also help to reduce the amount of pain the person is in.
Lime vs Lemon: Uses
There are a number of uses that come from both limes and lemons, depending on what you want to use them for; you might have some uses of your own. Here are just a few uses of these powerful citrus fruits.
Culinary Use
Used in many recipes, of both sweet and savory, you can expect to find both lemons and limes as part of main dishes, sides, drinks, desserts, and appetizers. They’re a great way to flavor just about anything. Flavor waters or other drinks with both of them and create alcoholic beverages with them.
Marinate meats or choose to splash some on your seafood. There are so many culinary uses that you will want to use both of these citrus fruits in all of the cooking that you do.
Medical
Used as an antiseptic and anti-inflammatory, this has a lot of health and medical benefits you wouldn’t otherwise get. They are great at killing bacteria and making sure to soothe the throat during a cold. Medical research has come a long way on the benefits of both lemons and limes. Keeping one handy to clean out a cut with might sting a little, but it might help stop an infection from starting.
Essential Oil
Enhance your mental state simply by smelling the essential oils of lemons or limes. This is a great mental booster for those who might need a pick me up during the day. Some people choose to make their own oils, or you can purchase both lemon and lime essential oils from a reputable dealer.
Cleaning
Since bacteria are killed by the citrus in these fruits, they’re often used as cleaning agents. The lemon is a powerful one, and the scent is nice, making it an ideal cleaning solution. Putting the citrus juice in with water and vinegar can create a great cleaning solution that can clean most surfaces, reducing the number of bacteria found on them.
Bottom Line
If you’re considering using either lemons or limes, make sure that you relay some of the information here to others. Knowing many of the benefits, uses, and more about each of the fruits can let you teach others of the amazing properties that come with them. Use lemons and limes how you feel the most comfortable and confident using them.
About the Author
Twigs cafe staff is comprised of editors, writers, food & drink experts, nutritionists, and researchers to create informative and helpful content for health-conscious people.
