Best Lemon Varieties In India | 8 Types Of Lemons

Indian food is incomplete without tangy lemons, and if you’re thinking about growing them, you must learn about these lemon varieties in India.

Lemons, or as they are called in India, ‘Nimbu,’ are famous for their refreshing and sour flavor, improving the taste of almost any dish. Nimbus makes an integral part of a variety of Indian cuisines.

Beginnings

The Citrus limon or Nimbu has no specified origins. There are speculations about the fruit being a native to the state of Assam in India. Moreover, there is no difference between lemon and lime in India. All the varieties are referred to as Nimbu. The word Nimbu derives from the Persian word līmūn.

Lemon Cultivation In India & Availability

Common Names: Nimbu, Champra, Elumicchai

The fruit has a variety of uses and is cultivated throughout the country. However, the Commercial production of lemons takes place in Andra Pradesh, Maharashtra, Tamil Nadu, Gujrat, Rajasthan, and Bihar. Other states also cultivate it for their domestic use. As citrus fruits are less demanding and can grow in almost any soil, the lemons are available in the markets throughout the year. However, more in the north than in south India.

India is the largest producer of Lemons in the world. However, the size of the lemons is not as big as those of other countries. Nevertheless, it exports fresh lemons to countries like Japan, Thailand, Bangladesh, etc.

Lemon Varieties In India

There are many types of lemons that grow across the country, but we’re covering the 8 most popular ones below:

1. Assam Nimbu/ Nemu Tenga

The name refers to the two types of lemons that grow in Assam, namely, Gol Nemu and Kazi Nemu. Gol Nemu is round and sweet. Further, it is usually larger than other varieties. Kazi Nemu, on the other hand, is juicier with an elongated oval shape. This Nemu is popular in Assam due to its use in Assamese cuisine.

2. Lisbon

This greenish-yellow, short-living variety is similar to Eureka(another lemon variety) in their elongated shape. The size of these lemons is average, with a prominent nipple at the apex. Apart from this, they are quite acidic in nature.

3. Sweet Lemon/Lime

This variety grows mainly in the regions of Malabar and Nilgiris. They are usually non-acidic in nature. You can eat this variety as a fruit rather than juicing it. These lemons or limes also go by the name of Mausambi in India.

4. Genoa

Commercial cultivation of this variety happens in India. These lemons are oval or oblong in shape and yellow in color, along with a decent amount of juice in them. Therefore, this variety of lemons is appropriate for pickles and marmalades.

5. Rough Lemon

This variety has such a name because of the rough, rugged, and irregular shape of its skin. It also bears a strong scent and flavor. This variety is said to have its roots in the wilds of Northern India.  They have very less amount of juice and pulp.

 6. Nepali Oblong/ Pat Nebu

The commercial cultivation of this variety takes place in India with its roots in Assam. This lemon variety has a smooth and glossy texture with medium acidity and very few or no seeds.

7. Villafranca

This variety of lemon is bright yellow in color with a noticeable nipple at the top. Moreover, just like that of Lisbon, it is also a short living and low yielding cultivar.

8. Nepali Round

A successful cultivar in the states of South India. Despite the name, the Nepali round variety also has its origins in India. This variety is very juicy and has very few seeds.

Amazing Lemon Benefits

• Lemons have various antibacterial properties. This prevents your body from getting any infections. Besides, it has many detoxifying qualities. Therefore, it proves useful for liver and gut health.
• Lemon makes an excellent source of vitamin C, which makes the immune system stronger. Furthermore, it is a fine antioxidant. Lemon water significantly helps in weight loss.
• The citric acid present in lemon is good for Kidneys. The citrate present in it may even help break up the small stones present in the Kidney.
• The antioxidants present in the lemons also help in reducing the dark patches and blemishes on your skin. Thus, drinking lemon water every day will work wonders for your skin.
• Lemon has anti-inflammatory properties. So, they help in reducing minor swellings, even the internal inflammations.

Lemons or Nimbus are said to have a versatility of uses. Moreover, every part of the fruit is usable, may it be the zest, juice, or the pulp. They all are used for various culinary purposes and more.

Ideal Time for Growing Lemons in India

The ideal time for growing these lemon varieties in India is at the beginning of the monsoon season. But if you’re growing a lemon tree in a pot, you can grow it anytime except summer from a readily available nursery sapling. The plants can produce lemons all year round.