What Do Calamansi Limes Taste Like?

Calamansi limes are small citrus fruits commonly used in Filipino cuisine. They have a sour and tangy flavor and are often used as a condiment or ingredient in marinades, sauces, and drinks.

IN THIS GUIDE

What are Calamansi Limes?
Taste
Nutrional Benefits
Best uses
Where to purchase
Storage

What are Calamansi limes

Calamansi limes, also known as calamondin or Philippine limes, are citrus fruit that is native to Southeast Asia, particularly the Philippines. They are small, round, and typically about 1-2 inches in diameter. Calamansi limes have a thin, fragrant skin that is yellow-orange when ripe and a juicy pulp that is acidic, tart, and slightly sweet.

Calamansi limes are often used in Southeast Asian cuisine as a flavoring agent in dishes such as marinades, sauces, and drinks. They are also used in traditional medicine to treat various ailments, such as coughs, colds, and skin irritations.

In addition, calamansi limes are rich in vitamin C, antioxidants, and other nutrients, making them a healthy and flavorful addition to any diet.

Taste of Calamansi Limes

Calamansi lime, also known as calamondin or Philippine lime, has a unique flavor that is sweet, tart, and citrusy. It tastes like a cross between a mandarin orange and a lime, with a slightly floral aroma.

The juice of the calamansi lime is often used as a souring agent in dishes, and its acidity is milder and less harsh than that of a regular lime.

The fruit is also commonly used as a condiment, drink flavoring, marinade ingredient, and in baked goods.

Benefits of limes

The USDA does not provide a separate nutritional chart for calamansi limes. However, here is a general nutritional breakdown of limes, which may be similar to calamansi limes:

Serving size: 1 lime (2 inches in diameter)
Calories: 20
Carbohydrates: 7 grams
Fiber: 2 grams
Protein: 0 grams
Fat: 0 grams
Vitamin C: 32% of the Daily Value (DV)
Calcium: 2% of the DV
Iron: 1% of the DV

Note that the nutritional content may vary slightly depending on the variety and ripeness of the fruit.

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Best uses

These limes have a sweet and tart flavor with a fragrant aroma, and their juice is often used as a souring agent in dishes.

Here are some common ways to use calamansi limes:

Condiment: Calamansi lime juice can be used as a condiment, similar to how lemon or lime wedges are served with fish or meat dishes. Squeeze some juice over grilled or fried fish, meats, or vegetables to add a refreshing, tangy flavor.
Drink flavoring: Calamansi juice is also used to flavor drinks, such as soda, cocktails, and tea. Mix the juice with water and sugar to create a refreshing and healthy drink.
Marinade: Calamansi lime juice is a popular ingredient in marinades for meat or seafood dishes. Mix the juice with soy sauce, garlic, and spices to create a flavorful marinade.
Sauce: Calamansi lime juice can be used as a dipping sauce or salad dressing base. Mix the juice with soy sauce, fish sauce, or vinegar, and add garlic, sugar, or chili peppers for extra flavor.
Baked goods: Calamansi juice can also be used to flavor baked goods, such as cakes and tarts. Mix the juice with sugar and eggs to create a citrusy custard or filling.

Overall, calamansi limes are a versatile ingredient that can be used in many ways to add a sweet, tart, and citrusy flavor to dishes and drinks.

Where to purchase these limes

Calamansi limes are a specialty fruit that may only be readily available at some grocery stores or markets. However, you may be able to find them at Asian or Filipino grocery stores, as well as online specialty food retailers.

Here are some suggestions on where to purchase Calamansi limes:

Asian grocery stores: Look for local Asian grocery stores in your area, as they are likely to carry Calamansi limes, especially if a Filipino community is nearby.
Online specialty food retailers: Several online specialty food retailers offer Calamansi limes, including Melissa’s Produce, Phil-Am Food, and FilStop.
Farmers markets: If you can access a farmers’ market, ask the vendors if they carry Calamansi limes.
Specialty produce stores: Some specialty produce stores, such as Whole Foods Market, may carry Calamansi limes, although availability may vary by location.

Storing limes

Limes, including Calamansi limes, can be stored at room temperature or in the refrigerator, depending on your preference and how quickly you plan to use them. Here are some tips for keeping limes:

Room temperature: If you plan to use your limes within a few days, you can store them at room temperature in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight. Please keep them in a bowl or basket where they can breathe and not get squished.

Refrigerator: If you don’t plan to use your limes right away, you can store them in the fridge to help them last longer. Please place them in a plastic bag or airtight container and store them in the vegetable crisper. Limes can be stored in the refrigerator for up to a few weeks.

Freeze: Limes can also be frozen to extend their shelf life. Cut the limes in half or slices and place them in an airtight container or freezer bag. They can be frozen for up to 3 months. Frozen limes can be thawed in the refrigerator or at room temperature and used in recipes such as drinks or marinades.