Citrus is grown in the tropical and subtropical climates. There are more citrus varieties other than lemon, mandarine, and oranges.
Let's check it out -
1. Sweet Lime
Botanical name: Citrus limetta
Sweet lime is one of the top citrus fruit available in India. They are commonly called Mosambi. Sweet lime is very popular because of its sweet taste. In addition, sweet lime is not acidic in taste.
Mosambi is usually eaten whole or in its juice. It’s most commonly available in India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, and Sri Lanka.
2. Oranges
Botanical name: Citrus sinensis
Oranges are loaded with Vitamin C. India is one of the top producers of oranges. They're known for their bright orange color and large size.
Oranges grow in warm climates and are available worldwide. Oranges are a cross between Mandarin and Pomelo. They're larger than tangerines.
3. Tangerine
Botanical name: Citrus tangerina
Tangerines are among the most popular types of citrus fruit available in India. They're often eaten whole, but they're also commonly juiced for use in juices, and salads. They are sweeter than other types of citrus.
Tangerines are smaller than an orange. They appear similar to an orange, but tangerines are less tart than oranges.
4. Clementine
Botanical name: Citrus clementina
Clementine is a very common citrus in India. They are a cross between mandarine orange and sweet lime. Clementine fruits contain less acid content, and thus, the flavor resembles that of a mandarine orange.
5. Blood Orange
Botanical name: Citrus sinensis
Blood oranges are a good source of anthocyanin, an antioxidant. They are also called raspberry oranges because of their taste. They have crimson red flesh, which differentiates them from Oranges.
7. Citron
Botanical name: Citrus medica
Citron is one of the fragrant citrus fruit with many medicinal benefits. They have a thick rind and are used to make pickles and other cuisines. The fragrance is so evident and is used in perfumery.
8. Pomelo
Botanical name: Citrus maxima
Pomelo is the largest of all citrus fruits. There are 2 types of Pomelo, white-fleshed and pink-fleshed. While pink-fleshed fruits have a sour taste, white-fleshed ones have a sweet taste.
9. Lemon
Botanical name: Citrus limon
Lemons are among the most commonly consumed citrus fruits. They're often added to dishes and pickles for their tartness. Lemon juice, rind, and peel are used in a wide variety of foods and drinks. They're known for their high citric acid content and distinct sour taste.
10. Grapefruit
Botanical name: Citrus paradisi
Grapefruit has a unique sour and sweet, somewhat bitter flavor. Grapefruit comes in red, pink, and white colors.
11. Bitter Orange
Botanical name: Citrus aurantium
Bitter orange can be identified through its orange fruit with a distinctly bitter or sour taste. They are widely used to make marmalade. Bitter orange is a herbal medicine. Bitter orange is a cross between mandarin and pomelo
12. Key Lime
Botanical name: Citrus aurantifolia
Key limes also known as acid limes, are a rich source of Vitamin C. The Key lime is smaller, seedier, has higher acidity, stronger aroma, and thinner rind.
13. Kaffir Lime
Botanical name: Citrus hystrix
Kaffir limes are also called makrut limes. It is valued for its essential oil content. The rind emits an intense citrus fragrance.
14. Buddha's Hand
Botanical name: Citrus medica var. sarcodactylis
India produces an abundance of Buddha's hands. They are one of the most unique citrus, known for their unusually shaped finger-like fruits. These fruits are exquisitely fragrant. They are also grown as an ornamental trees. Unlike other citrus fruits, most varieties of the Buddha's hand fruit contain no pulp or juice.
15. Mandarin Orange
Botanical name: Citrus reticulata
Mandarin oranges are one of the most popular citrus fruits in the world. They are eaten raw and are used in salads. The peel is thin and loose and the fruits are oblate in shape. They are sweeter than common oranges.
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Extra reading
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Container Gardening: Grow Vegetables in Pots in Your Kitchen Garden
Halasu (Artocarpus heterophyllus)
Happy Gardening!
Dr. Vandana K.