Tahitian
Citrus x aurantiifolia
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Description
Tahitian lime - the Bearss/Persian seedless lime - is the standard commercial and home-garden lime of New Zealand: a vigorous tree bearing medium-sized, seedless fruit that is picked green in summer and colours to yellow if left into winter. The fruit has the classic sharp, clean lime acidity and aroma for drinks, cooking, and garnishes, with the convenience of no seeds. Trees are the most robust of the Tahitian group yet still need substantial frost protection in NZ winters, fruiting best in warm, sunny, moist positions in the upper North Island or in containers elsewhere. The main NZ harvest falls in June-August. Self-fertile. Of the common limes it is the most dependable cropper in NZ's marginal lime climate, which is why it anchors the mid-season point of the NZ lime harvest scale. Grow in full sun with shelter, water generously through flowering and fruit development, and feed with citrus fertiliser. Use fresh; limes keep only briefly.
Characteristics
Fruit Size
Medium
Peel Colour
Green ripening to yellow
Flesh Colour
Pale green-yellow
Harvest Timing (NZ)
Mid
Seediness
Seedless
Growth Habit
Vigorous
Thorny
Notes
Needs a warm, sunny position with shelter and plenty of moisture during flowering and fruit development. The most robust Tahitian type but still frost-sensitive - give winter protection (shelter, frost cloth, containers) outside the warmest districts. Feed spring-summer; prune lightly to shape.
Fruit Use
Culinary
Flavour Profile
Tart, Acidic, Juicy
Storage Life
Short
Country Availability
Known to be available in 1 country