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Lemon எலுமிச்சை citron |

Lemon

எலுமிச்சை citron |

Tamil name | Elumichai எலுமிச்சை

Botanical name | Citrus aurantifolia

Other names | Kagzi Nimbu, Indian lime

The lemon growing in and around Auroville is actually a lime, This variety is smaller, rounder, and typically more acidic compared to lemons. The skin is thinner and green when unripe, turning yellow as it ripens. Limes are preferred in many South Indian dishes for their sharper, more intense flavor, and are used in pickling, chutneys, and drinks like lime juice.

Season

The season for lemon:

In Tamil Nadu, the lemon season generally peaks twice, first after the summer monsoon during July-October and next after the winter monsoon months during February-April,, which is when the fruit is harvested in abundance. However, due to the tropical climate, the trees produce almost throughout the year.

Grow & Harvest

How to grow in your garden:

Soil and sun:

Limes thrive in well-draining soil rich in organic matter. Sandy loam soil is ideal. Choose a sunny location, as lime plants require 6-8 hours of sunlight daily. Use a healthy sapling or graft for best results.

Planting:

If growing lime from seeds, soak them for 24 hours, plant them in small pots, and keep them warm until they sprout (which usually takes 2-3 weeks). For the best growth, use a healthy young plant or a grafted one for better fruit quality. The ideal time to plant the saplings is during the monsoon season (October to December), when natural moisture and temperature conditions favor growth.

Watering:

Limes need consistent moisture but avoid waterlogging. Water them 2-3 times a week, more often in very hot weather.

Harvest:

Limes are typically ready for harvest 6-9 months after flowering. They are harvested when they are still green or slightly yellow depending on the variety.

Insects that love the lemon tree:

Common pests include aphids, citrus leaf miners, and spider mites. Use neem oil or organic pesticides to treat infestations.

Tree care:

Lemon trees have thorns and tend to grow wide with branches falling on the ground, making harvesting difficult after some years. Yearly pruning in October after the peak harvest can help to keep the tree manageable for harvest. Some lower branches may also need some support so that lemons can be harvested from under it.

Store & Preserve

Best ways to store and preserve:

Fridge:

Lemons can be stored in the fridge for up to 3-4 weeks. Store them in a sealed plastic bag to retain moisture.

Freezing:

You can freeze whole lemons, lemon slices, or lemon juice in ice cube trays. Frozen lemons can be stored for up to 3-4 months.

Drying:

Dried lemon slices can be stored for long periods and used as a flavoring in teas, soups, or dishes.

Canning:

Lemons can be preserved by canning in the form of juice or as marmalade.

Pickling:

Lemon Pickles (Elumichai Oorugai) are popular in South India. Lemons are preserved in salt, spices, and sometimes oil, and can last for months at room temperature. Traditional lime pickles are made by salting the limes and allowing them to ferment in the sun for several weeks. See recipe.

Prepare & Eat

How to prepare and eat them?

Taste and Texture:

Lemons are tangy, sour, and citrusy, with a refreshing aroma. The flesh is juicy with a smooth and firm peel.

Using Lime Instead of Salt:

Freshness and Zing: Lime adds a sharp, fresh flavor, making dishes feel lighter and more vibrant.
Healthy Alternative: Reducing salt intake is important for heart health, and using lime helps lower sodium levels without sacrificing taste.
Enhances Other Flavors: Lime’s acidity balances and intensifies flavors, making it perfect for salads, salsas, or grilled items.
Aids Digestion: Limes are rich in vitamin C and have digestive benefits, which make them an excellent addition to meals.

Raw Use:

Combine diced mangoes with chopped red onion, chilies, cilantro, and lime juice for a refreshing salsa.

Cooking:

Lemon is often added to curries, chutneys, and gravies for tanginess. In Tamil Nadu, lemon rice (Elumichai Sadam) is a popular dish: Mix lemon juice with cooked rice, tempering with mustard seeds, peanuts, curry leaves, and turmeric. The Solar kitchen sometimes serves this dish.

Beverages:

Lemon juice is a key ingredient in refreshing drinks like Nimbu Pani made from lime juice, water, sugar, and a pinch of salt.

These are just a few ideas, send us your home recipe.

Health

Nutritional Values and Ayurvedic properties

Nutritional Values: Limes are rich in Vitamin C, antioxidants, and dietary fiber. They contain essential minerals like calcium, potassium, and magnesium.

Calories: About 20-30 calories per lime.
Vitamin C: A single lime can provide over 30% of your daily requirement.

Ayurvedic Properties:

Limes are considered cooling and detoxifying in Ayurveda.
They balance the Pitta dosha, helping reduce acidity, indigestion, and inflammation.
They are often recommended for purifying the blood and aiding in digestion.