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Desert Lime
Citrus glauca
Desert lime is a uniquely Australian native citrus superfruit with exceptional vitamin C (52% DV per 100g), distinctive tart-sweet character, and rich Aboriginal heritage spanning thousands of years. Also known as Australian desert lime or native lime, desert lime delivers comprehensive nutritional benefits with remarkable resilience in arid environments. At 42 calories per 100g with 88% water content and potent antioxidant profile, desert lime is prized in contemporary Australian cuisine, indigenous food traditions, and sustainable agriculture applications. Perfect for culinary innovation, premium beverages, gourmet cooking, and comprehensive wellness optimization.
42
Calories
2.8g
Fiber
52%
Vitamin C
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Nutrition Facts
Calories
42
per 100g
Carbs
13.2g
per 100g
Protein
0.7g
per 100g
Fiber
2.8g
per 100g
Sugar
1.5g
per 100g
Fat
0.2g
per 100g
💊Vitamins
Per 100g
Vitamin C
52% DV
44 mg
Excellent immune support, powerful antioxidant defense, collagen synthesis, iron absorption, comprehensive cellular protection
Folate (B9)
6% DV
25 mcg
Cell division, DNA synthesis, neurological health, methylation support, energy metabolism
Pantothenic Acid (B5)
3% DV
0.17 mg
Energy metabolism, hormone synthesis, stress response, neurotransmitter production
Thiamine (B1)
6% DV
0.07 mg
Energy metabolism, nervous system health, neurotransmitter synthesis, muscle function
⚡Minerals
Per 100g
Potassium
3% DV
102 mg
Heart health, blood pressure regulation, muscle function, electrolyte balance
Calcium
2% DV
26 mg
Bone health, muscle function, nerve transmission, enzyme activity
Magnesium
2% DV
8 mg
Muscle relaxation, energy metabolism, bone health, nervous system support
🛡️Antioxidants
Vitamin CFlavonoidsPolyphenolsCitric AcidLimonoidsCarotenoids
🌿Phytonutrients
Vitamin C - excellent antioxidant providing outstanding immune support and comprehensive cellular defense against oxidative stressFlavonoids - potent antioxidants supporting cardiovascular health, inflammation reduction, and cellular wellness with exceptional bioavailabilityLimonoids - bioactive compounds with traditional aboriginal applications supporting comprehensive health optimization and cellular protectionPolyphenols - diverse antioxidants supporting antioxidant defense, cardiovascular function, and comprehensive cellular wellness
📊Glycemic Index
32
Per Serving
Nutrition breakdown for one serving
📏
Serving Size
100g fresh desert lime flesh
Calories
42kcal
Breakdown
Carbs
13.2g
Fiber
2.8g
10% DV
Sugar
1.5g
Protein
0.7g
Fat
0.2g
Vitamin C
💊
44mg
52% DV
Potassium
⚡
102mg
3% DV
Health Benefits
Excellent vitamin C content (52% DV per 100g) provides outstanding immune support, powerful antioxidant protection, and comprehensive cellular defense
Potent flavonoid and polyphenol profile provides robust antioxidant protection and cardiovascular support with comprehensive wellness benefits
Traditional Aboriginal medicinal applications support immune health, digestion, and comprehensive wellness optimization
Limonoids support natural cellular protection and comprehensive health applications with traditional use validation
Very low glycemic index (32) and load (4) support stable blood sugar and sustained energy without rapid spikes
Exceptional hydration profile (88% water content) supports optimal cellular health and comprehensive wellness
Excellent fiber content (10% DV per 100g) supports digestive health, gut microbiome wellness, and healthy satiety
Very low calorie content (42 calories per 100g) provides nutrient density without excess caloric load
Resilience in arid climates indicates nutritional density adapted for human survival in harsh environments
Native Australian heritage provides authentic nutrient profile evolved over thousands of years of Aboriginal use
Origin & Distribution
Native Region
Australia
Global Presence
AustraliaNorthern TerritoryWestern AustraliaQueenslandarid regionssemi-arid regionsnative Australian habitats
Top Producers
AustraliaNorthern TerritoryWestern Australia
Historical Background
Desert lime (Citrus glauca) is a native Australian citrus fruit with ancient Aboriginal heritage spanning thousands of years. Known as native lime or Australian desert lime, desert lime has been fundamental to indigenous Australian food traditions, bush tucker practices, and sustainable land use across arid and semi-arid regions. The fruit's exceptional resilience in harsh desert conditions made it a vital food source in Australian interior. Today, desert lime is experiencing renaissance in contemporary Australian cuisine, gourmet cooking, and sustainable agriculture practices as chefs and producers recognize its unique flavor profile and nutritional excellence.
Peak Season
Best Time to Enjoy
Peak season August-October
3 Varieties Available
Explore Varieties
Each variety offers unique flavors, textures, and culinary applications
Northern Territory Desert Lime
Northern Territory, Australia
Color
Small, round, green to yellow when ripe, lime-like appearance
Taste Profile
Intensely tart, distinctive citric character with subtle sweetness
Best For
Juice extraction, culinary cooking, contemporary cuisine
Western Australian Desert Lime
Western Australia
Color
Small fruit, golden-yellow when ripe, distinctive appearance
Taste Profile
Balanced tartness with floral undertones, refined character
Best For
Fine cuisine, marmalade, specialty beverages
Queensland Desert Lime
Queensland, Australia
Color
Small, round, vibrant yellow, premium appearance
Taste Profile
Tart with subtle tropical notes, complex flavor development
Best For
Gourmet cooking, premium juices, innovative recipes
Storage & Selection Guide
Keep your fruit fresh and delicious for longer
How to Choose the Perfect Fruit
1
Select desert lime fruits that are small, round, and firm indicating ripeness
2
Choose fruits that have transitioned from green to golden-yellow color
3
Look for thin skin without soft spots, blemishes, or damage
4
Ripe desert lime should emit distinctive tart citrus aroma
5
Select fruits that feel slightly heavy indicating good juice content
6
Avoid fruits that are too soft or show signs of decay
Proper Storage Methods
Store desert lime at room temperature for up to 1 week
Refrigerate fruits in produce drawer for up to 3 weeks
Keep in cool location to preserve vitamin C and flavonoids
Avoid storing in plastic bags which can trap excess moisture
Keep away from direct sunlight to maintain nutritional integrity
Store at consistent temperature to optimize shelf life
Shelf Life Guide
Refrigerated
3 weeks in refrigerator
Average Shelf Life
21 days
Freezing Instructions
Preserve freshness for months
2-3 months
1
Juice desert lime and freeze in ice cube trays for convenient portions
2
Freeze whole fruit segments in freezer bags for smoothie ingredients
3
Freeze zest in airtight containers for culinary use
4
Frozen desert lime juice maintains quality for 4-6 months
5
Thaw at room temperature or use directly in cooking applications
6
Frozen zest can be used directly without thawing for cooking
Pro Tip
Label frozen items with the date to track freshness. Most fruits maintain quality for 2-3 months when properly frozen. For best results, use airtight containers or freezer bags to prevent freezer burn.
Culinary Journey
Discover delicious possibilities
Common Uses
Fresh juice extraction for morning wellness
Contemporary Australian cuisine applications
Gourmet cooking and sauce creation
Specialty beverages and cordials
Fine dining and innovative recipes
Traditional Aboriginal food preparations
Culinary marmalade and preserves
Premium seasoning and flavor enhancement
Perfect Pairings
Seafood - citrus brightness pairingBarbecued meats - tart flavor complementNative Australian bush tucker - traditional combinationHoney - natural sweetness balanceGinger - warming spice complementChili - heat and citrus balanceCoconut - tropical flavor harmonyVanilla - aromatic flavor enhancementNative herbs - traditional pairing
Popular Recipes
Fresh desert lime juice for morning wellness
Desert lime barbecue glaze
Contemporary desert lime cocktail
Desert lime marmalade preparation
Desert lime curd dessert sauce
Native Australian bush tucker preparations
Gourmet desert lime vinaigrette
Premium desert lime cordial
Innovative desert lime culinary reduction
Refreshing Beverages
Fresh desert lime juice
Desert lime cordial
Desert lime ginger tea
Contemporary desert lime cocktail
Premium desert lime smoothie
Desert lime and honey infusion
Aromatic desert lime essence drink
Safety Information
Allergy Information:
Desert lime allergies are rare. Some individuals may have sensitivity to citrus fruits or specific plant families. Citrus sensitivity affects a small percentage of the population.
Pesticide Concerns:
Desert lime cultivation in Australia traditionally uses minimal to no pesticides. Purchase from Australian native food suppliers and specialty retailers ensuring sustainable, pesticide-free cultivation practices.
Who Should Avoid:
- • People with citrus allergies should exercise caution and test in small amounts
- • Those taking certain medications may need to consult healthcare providers about citrus consumption
- • Individuals with GERD may need to limit acidic citrus consumption
- • Those with sensitive dental enamel should rinse mouth after consumption
- • Generally safe for all populations including children and elderly in normal amounts
Possible Side Effects:
- •Generally very well-tolerated in normal amounts
- •Acidic nature may cause temporary mouth sensitivity in susceptible individuals
- •High vitamin C in very large quantities may cause digestive changes
- •Very rare sensitivity reactions in individuals with citrus allergies
- •Safe for all age groups in normal consumption amounts
Preparation Safety:
- • Wash fruit thoroughly under running water before consumption
- • Squeeze juice using clean utensils and equipment
- • Use zest in culinary applications with proper cleaning
- • Avoid consuming seeds which may contain compounds limiting nutrient absorption
- • Store properly to prevent mold development
- • Purchase from certified, reputable Australian sources ensuring food safety
Fun Facts
Surprising trivia you'll love!
Desert lime (Citrus glauca) is native to Australia and has been used by Aboriginal peoples for thousands of years
Desert lime is one of the few citrus species adapted to arid Australian interior conditions
The fruit is significantly smaller than standard limes, roughly the size of a marble
Desert lime has excellent vitamin C content at 52% DV per 100g, higher than standard limes
The fruit grows wild across Northern Territory and Western Australia in harsh desert conditions
Desert lime requires virtually no irrigation once established, making it exceptionally sustainable
Contemporary Australian chefs are increasingly recognizing desert lime for gourmet culinary applications
The fruit's tartness and distinctive flavor make it ideal for premium beverages and cocktails
Desert lime juice is traditionally used in Aboriginal bush tucker recipes and contemporary Australian cuisine
The fruit's exceptional resilience and nutrient density reflect adaptation to harsh Australian environments over millennia
Frequently Asked Questions
What is desert lime and why is it special?
GeneralDesert lime (Citrus glauca) is a native Australian citrus superfruit with excellent vitamin C (52% DV per 100g), distinctive tart flavor, and thousands of years of Aboriginal heritage. Also called native lime or Australian desert lime, desert lime delivers potent flavonoids, polyphenols, and limonoids alongside comprehensive nutritional benefits.
What are the nutritional benefits of desert lime?
NutritionDesert lime delivers excellent vitamin C (52% DV per 100g) for immune support, potent flavonoids and polyphenols for antioxidant protection, folate (6% DV) for metabolism, thiamine (6% DV) for energy, and exceptional fiber (10% DV). At 42 calories per 100g with very low glycemic index (32), desert lime provides excellent nutritional benefits.
How does desert lime taste?
GeneralDesert lime has distinctive intensely tart flavor with subtle sweetness and complex citrus character. The tartness is more pronounced than standard limes with unique aromatic qualities. Different varieties offer varying tartness levels and flavor nuances. The flavor profile is ideal for culinary applications, beverages, and gourmet cooking.
What are the Aboriginal traditional uses of desert lime?
HealthDesert lime has been used in Aboriginal food traditions and bush tucker practices for thousands of years. Traditional applications include juice extraction, flavor enhancement, medicinal uses for digestive health, and comprehensive wellness support. The fruit's exceptional resilience made it a vital food source in Australian interior regions.
Is desert lime good for immune support?
HealthYes, desert lime is excellent for immune support with excellent vitamin C (52% DV per 100g), comprehensive flavonoid content, potent polyphenols, and limonoids. The antioxidant profile makes desert lime highly effective for robust immune wellness and cellular protection.
How do you use desert lime in cooking?
RecipesDesert lime is ideal for juice extraction, making cordials, glazes, and sauces due to its distinctive tartness. Zest adds authentic Australian character to fine cuisine. Juice is used in beverages, marinades, cocktails, and culinary preparations. The tart flavor complements seafood, barbecued meats, and native Australian ingredients.
Where can you buy desert lime?
ShoppingFresh desert lime is increasingly available at Australian farmer's markets, specialty produce retailers, native food suppliers, and online retailers specializing in Australian ingredients. Peak season is August-October. Processed products include desert lime juice, cordial, and marmalade from Australian specialty producers.
Why is desert lime sustainable?
GeneralDesert lime thrives in arid and semi-arid Australian climates with minimal irrigation needs, making it exceptionally sustainable. The fruit requires no pesticides in traditional cultivation and supports Australian native ecosystems. Growing desert lime promotes sustainable agriculture, supports indigenous communities, and maintains traditional food security.
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Environmental Impact
Sustainability insights
Sustainability Overview
Desert lime cultivation supports Australian native ecosystem preservation and Aboriginal food traditions. Support sustainably harvested desert lime from certified Australian sources honoring traditional harvesting practices and biodiversity.
Carbon Footprint
Locally grown desert lime in Australia has minimal carbon footprint. Prioritize Australian-sourced desert lime to minimize transportation impact while supporting native producers and indigenous communities.
Water Usage
Desert lime cultivation in arid Australian regions utilizes minimal water resources. Once established, desert lime requires no irrigation, making it exceptionally water-efficient and sustainable for harsh climates.
Local vs Imported
Purchase from Australian producers to support native Australian agriculture, maintain indigenous food traditions, preserve traditional knowledge, and minimize global carbon footprint while supporting local communities.