Lime important oil is extracted from the peels of the lime fruit (Citrus aurantifolia). It has a vibrant, citrusy aroma that’s invigorating and uplifting. Lime important oil is often utilized in aromatherapy to advertise emotions of vitality and focus.
The tart and refreshing lime has a protracted historical past that stretches again centuries. Right here’s a glimpse into the lime’s journey around the globe:
- Origins in Southeast Asia: Most limes probably originated in Southeast Asia, probably within the Indonesian archipelago or mainland Asia [1]. The precise species can range, however the makrut lime is believed to be one of many earliest to be unfold by people [3].
- Traded by Arabian retailers: Round 1000 CE, Arabian merchants are credited with bringing limes, together with lemons, from India to japanese Mediterranean areas and Africa [1].
- Reaching Europe by means of Crusaders: Limes are thought to have reached western Mediterranean international locations by Crusaders returning house within the twelfth and thirteenth centuries.
- The New World and the struggle in opposition to scurvy: Christopher Columbus probably introduced lime seeds (amongst different citrus) to the West Indies on his second voyage in 1493. Limes thrived within the Caribbean and have become a key weapon in opposition to scurvy for European sailors. The British navy, specifically, famously issued limes to their sailors, resulting in the nickname “Limeys”.
- Limes in the US: Limes finally made their strategy to the US, reaching Florida within the early nineteenth century. Industrial manufacturing started within the late 1800s and boomed after a hurricane worn out a lot of the state’s pineapple trade.
So, the subsequent time you take pleasure in a squeeze of lime in your drink or dish, bear in mind its lengthy journey from Southeast Asia to turning into a world staple. And you’ll take pleasure in lime important oil in our pores and skin remedy that’s coupled with lavender important oil.
