News: Recently, APEDA facilitated the first-ever air shipment of India’s GI-tagged Indi Lime and Puliyankudi Lime to the United Kingdom.
About Indi and Puliyankudi Limes
About Indi Lime
- Indi Lime is a variety of Kagzi lime.
- Geographical location: It is cultivated in the Vijayapura district of Karnataka.
- Characteristics
- It is known for its superior quality, strong aroma, and high juice yield.
- The lime has a thin rind and low seed content.
- It is cultivated using traditional methods in the region’s black cotton soils and semi-arid climate.
- Uses: The lime is not only used for culinary purposes but also in traditional medicine and cultural practices in Karnataka.
- GI tag:
- Indi Lime received a GI tag in June 2023, with its registration valid until 2031.
- It was the second Indian lime variety to receive a GI tag, after Assam’s lemon variety.
About Puliyankudi Lime
- Geographical Location: It is primarily cultivated in the Puliyankudi region of the Tenkasi district in Tamil Nadu, at the foothills of the Western Ghats.
- Conditions required: The unique, semi-arid conditions of this rain-shadow zone, coupled with its tropical climate and rich red loamy soil, contribute to the lime’s distinct qualities.
- Local name: It is known locally as “Puliyankudi Elumichai”
- Characteristics of Puliyankudi Lime (Kadayam variety)
- High juice content: It has a juice yield of about 55%.
- Thin, aromatic peel: The peel is thin and rich in essential oils.
- Rich in nutrients: The lime is high in Vitamin C and antioxidants, with an ascorbic acid content of around 34.3 mg/100g.
- High acidity: It has a potent acidic flavor.
- Local Recognition: The village of Puliyankudi is known as the “Lemon City of Tamil Nadu” because of its extensive lime cultivation.
- GI Tag: The lime officially received its GI tag in April 2025, acknowledging its distinct regional and nutritional attributes.
