There are at least twenty known varieties of the rangpur lime. These varieties are essentially clone varieties of a parent variety. There are very wide variations among the varieties including fruit characteristics such as form, color, texture, flavor and acidity. The most important valuation to recognize about rangpur limes is that they are not limes at all, rather they should be classified within the mandarin family. Other names given to rangpur limes include Canton lemon, hime lemon, cravo lemon, Japanche citroen and mandarin lime.

Rangpur limes have the appearance of a mandarin or a tangerine on both the outside and the inside. Their peel is thin, semi smooth with shallow indentations. It clings loosely to the flesh, which at maturity is orange in color, tender, juicy, generally laden with seeds and very acidic. Its acidity is more comparable to a lime, which may be the reason it was adopted as a lime. Unlike most mandarins, rangpur limes do not emit a sweet citrus aroma, rather more of a clean lemon lime scent.

Serving Ideas

Use the zest of the fragrant peel as a flavoring for baked goods and hot or cold beverages. To store, limes keep longer refrigerated.

Geography/History

The rangpur lime is of Indian origins and has horticultural importance mostly in the Far East and South America. It is often used as rootstock to cultivate other citrus varieties. It was introduced to America in the late 19th century by the Reasoner Brothers who had a nursery in Oneco, Florida. The rangpur lime was just one of several non-native exotic fruits that the Reasoner Brothers would bring to American soil.

Seasons/Availability

Rangpur lime trees bear fruit year round, with a peak season in winter.