Lemon, Lime & Citron Varieties in India
Here’s an updated and well-structured article, blending staple and widely recognized citrus varieties from India with APA-style references.
1. Common Lemon Varieties in India
• Gondhoraj (Gandharaj)
Labeled the “king of aroma,” Gondhoraj is prized for its intense fragrance. It’s popular in culinary and medicinal applications, especially in Bengal.
• Kaji Nemu & Gol Nemu (Assam Lemons)
- Kaji Nemu: Long, oblong, virtually seedless, with high juice content; a GI-certified lemon from Assam.
- Gol Nemu: Round, smaller, sweeter, used in traditional Assamese dishes.
• Nepali Round & Nepali Oblong
Local varieties characterized by round or oblong shapes, commonly grown in the Northeastern region.
• Rough Lemon (Citrus jambhiri)
Often used both as rootstock and for juice; recognizable by its coarse rind.
• Mausambi (Sweet Lime)
Also known as Citrus limettioides, this is a sweet lime—a low-acid hybrid of lime and sweet lemon—widely consumed as a fresh fruit juice in India.
• Other Noteworthy Varieties
Includes Pant lemon, Italian lemon, Sevilla lemon, Malta lemon, and Assam lemon —especially cultivated in states like Andhra Pradesh, Maharashtra, and Tamil Nadu.
2. Lime Varieties in India
• Kagzi Lime (Acid Lime)
The most common Citrus aurantifolia variety, used extensively for its tart juice in culinary use and beverages.
• High-Yield Acid Lime Cultivars
Citrus breeding programs have developed cultivars such as Vikram, Pramalini, PKM‑1, and Sai Sharbati, offering higher yields and improved disease resistance.
• Other Lime Types
Regional limes like Coorg Lime, Akola Lime, and Sai Sharbati are grown in Karnataka and Maharashtra. Sweet lime (Mausambi) is treated more as a lemon alternative due to its flavor profile.
3. Citron Varieties in India
• Buddha’s Hand (Fingered Citron)
Known locally and internationally as Citrus medica var. sarcodactylis, this fingered citron is native to Northeast India. It has an aromatic rind, no juice, and is valued for fragrance, cultural rituals, and specialty culinary uses.
📊 Summary Table
| Category | Varieties |
|---|---|
| Lemons | Gondhoraj, Kaji Nemu, Gol Nemu, Nepali Round, Nepali Oblong, Rough Lemon, Mausambi, Pant, Italian, Sevilla, Malta lemons |
| Limes | Kagzi Lime, Vikram, Pramalini, PKM‑1, Sai Sharbati, Coorg Lime, Akola Lime, Sweet Lime (Mausambi) |
| Citron | Buddha’s Hand |
Cultivation & Cultural Insights
- India is the world’s top lemon and lime producer, with commercial cultivation concentrated in Andhra Pradesh, Maharashtra, Tamil Nadu, Gujarat, Rajasthan, Bihar, and Assam.
- Regional Highlights:
- Assam lemons (Kaji and Gol) are celebrated for their flavor and versatility in cuisine.
- Gondhoraj is mused in perfumes, pickles, and tea due to its aroma.
- Buddha’s Hand thrives in northeast India’s foothills and contributes cultural symbolism and niche markets like essential oils and specialty candies.
References
AgriFarming. (2024). Acid lime cultivation practices – Acid lime varieties: Major States
Asia Farming. (2022). High yield hybrid lemon varieties in India
Botany‑World. (2022). Buddha’s Hand Citrus (Citrus medica var. sarcodactylis)
IndiaAgroNet. (n.d.). Limes and lemons
NDTV Food. (2023, November 8). Know your lemons: 5 popular Indian varieties every citrus lover should try
Slurrp. (2021, March). 7 popular lemon varieties found in India
Superfoodly. (2016). What is Buddha’s hand fruit & how do you eat it?
Times of India. (2022, March 17). Types of lemons and their unique uses
TractorGuru. (2023). Top 5 popular lemon varieties in India
Wikipedia. (2024). Assam lemon
Wikipedia. (2024). Buddha’s hand
