Lemon and Lime
Lemons and limes are edible citrus fruits that may be supplied fresh or dried. They belong to the fresh fruit category of produce.
Prices, specifications and international trade for lemon and lime under HS 080550.
Lemon and Lime Price
Published reference · Jul 1, 2026
Lemon and lime is quoted in USD/t at ESP. Historical customs values may differ from the headline reference.
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Spain led reported lemon and lime exports in 2025, at $1B.
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Lemon and lime grading factors include Appearance, Juice content, and Sugar and acid balance.
Grading Factors
Quality assessment for lemon and lime considers Appearance, Juice content, and Sugar and acid balance.
- Appearance
Assesses skin color and condition; blemishes, scars, or sunburn can affect visual appeal for retail while not always impairing internal quality.
- Juice content
Measures the volume of juice extractable from the pulp, which determines yield for juicing and culinary use.
- Sugar and acid balance
Evaluates the relative levels of soluble solids and citric acid, which influence perceived sweetness and tartness; critical for eating quality and processing.
- Size and shape
Uniformity in diameter and contour is important for packing presentation, grading, and consumer handling.
- Firmness
Checks that the fruit is not soft, shriveled, or spongy, which indicates age or dehydration; firmness correlates with fresh shelf life and mouthfeel.
Common Defects
Recorded defects for lemon and lime include Mould or decay, Skin blemishes, and Shrivelling.
- Mould or decay
Blue or green mould or fungal rot that spreads from wounds or overripe areas, making the fruit unusable and contaminating neighboring fruit.
- Skin blemishes
Scars, russeting, or wind damage that are superficial but reduce retail grade due to appearance; these may also break the skin to allow decay.
- Shrivelling
Loss of internal moisture causes the skin to wrinkle and the fruit to become puffy with reduced juiciness, affecting taste and texture.
Lemon and Lime Facts and HS Code
Lemon and lime belongs to fresh fruit within produce, nuts, spices and food ingredients. Its customs classification covers HS 080550.
Lemon and Lime HS Code
| Also known as | Lime |
|---|---|
| Product type | Raw |
| Form | Fresh |
| Position in the chain | Primary |
| Category | Fresh fruit — Produce, nuts, spices and food ingredients |
| HS codes | 080550 |
| HS6 description | Fruit, edible; lemons (Citrus limon, Citrus limonum), limes (Citrus aurantifolia, Citrus latifolia), fresh or dried |
| Quoted in | USD/t |
| Reference location | ESP |
Production & Handling
Lemon and lime storage guidance: Store fresh lemons and limes in a chilled and ventilated atmosphere with controlled relative humidity to slow respiration and moisture loss. Maintaining cold conditions suppresses decay and shrivelling, extending edible quality for trading days.
Production and Storage
| Perishability | High |
|---|---|
| Temperature regime | Chilled |
| Storage conditions | Store fresh lemons and limes in a chilled and ventilated atmosphere with controlled relative humidity to slow respiration and moisture loss. Maintaining cold conditions suppresses decay and shrivelling, extending edible quality for trading days. |
| Production methods | Farmed |
| Processing steps |
|
Packaging
Typical lemon and lime packaging includes Carton with internal liner and Bulk bin.
- Carton with internal liner
Used for retail distribution; the liner reduces moisture loss and protects the fruit from bruising during transport.
- Bulk bin
Used to move large volumes from the packing house to processors or wholesalers; saves packaging cost but requires careful handling.
Uses & Risks
Lemon and lime is used in Fresh consumption and Culinary processing.
End Uses
- Fresh consumption
Eaten raw or used as garnish
- Culinary processing
Juicing, zesting, and flavoring in food preparation
Uses and Related Commodities
| Downstream industries | Beverage production, Food manufacturing |
|---|
Sourcing risks
| Risk | Mitigation |
|---|---|
Citrus canker DiseaseHigh This bacterial infection can create lesions on fruit and leaves, blemishing the peel and triggering quarantine restrictions on whole producing areas. | Purchase from recognized disease-free areas; inspect for lesion patterns during quality grading and rely on phytosanitary documentation. |
Residue levels Food safetyMedium Growers may apply fungicides and pesticides to control disease and insects; excessive residues can exceed destination limits when misused. | Source from growers with documented application records; request test certificates and follow import tolerances. |
Citrus fruit fly infestation PestMedium Fruit fly larvae feed inside the fruit, causing decay and unmarketable flesh; infested fruit must be rejected at entry. | Implement field monitoring and quarantine area controls; visually inspect and sample consignments for puncture marks and larvae. |
Lemon and Lime Questions
- What is the exact definition of lemons and limes as a commodity?
- Lemons and limes are edible fruits of the species Citrus limon (lemons) and Citrus aurantifolia or Citrus latifolia (limes), supplied fresh or dried.
- What quality characteristics should buyers look for when inspecting lemons and limes?
- Buyers should check for firm, unblemished skins, uniform colour, and a fresh aroma. The fruits should be free of rot, mold, or excessive soft spots.
- How should lemons and limes be stored to maintain freshness?
- Lemons and limes should be kept cool (around 5‑10 °C) with high humidity, preferably in ventilated packaging, and protected from direct sunlight to prolong shelf life.