Lime is the fruit of the lime tree. Having originated from the South-East of Asia, lime is grown mainly in tropical regions. Lime trees rarely exceed 4.6 m (15 feet). They grow irregularly and develop twisted trunks. Its small, dark green fruit, with very thin skin, is sometimes oval or round. The colour of its juicy pulp is pale green, slightly yellowish. The juice contains vitamin C. In addition to being the main component of citric acid, lime extract or oil is included in many perfumes and pharmaceutical products. Long before the discovery of its vitamin C content, lime was administered to seamen to prevent scurvy.

Lime is grown on sandy and sometimes even rocky lands in Mexico, as well as in the West Indies. Imex produces the Persian Lime variety, which belongs to the Citrus aurantifolia class, of the Rutaceae family. Of all the Citrus fruits, lime is the most sensitive to frost.