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KEY LIME _ KEY LIME_01.png "KEY LIME")
| | | INCI: | Citrus aurantifolia | | CAS: | 8008-26-2 | | EINECS: | 290-010-3 | | Flavouring according to EC regulation 1334/2008 |
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KEY LIMECitrus aurantifolia (Rutacee)
Origin: Mexico
The only true tropical citrus fruit, key lime was originally found in southern Asia (India and Malaysia). It now grows in numerous tropical and subtropical parts of the world. It's cultivated in Mexico, the West Indies and Italy, and is a small evergreen tree that grows to a height of four and a half metres, with smooth ovate leaves, extremely sharp thorns, and small white flowers. The fruit is bitter-tasting, light green in colour and about half the size of the lemon, with which it has shared the same medicinal applications for centuries.
EXTRACTION
OLFACTIVE AFFINITIES
The essential oil is obtained by cold pressing the fresh peel of the unripe fruit, and is a clear, greenish liquid with a fresh, sweet, lemony fragrance.
It combines well with the essential oils of Citronella, Clary sage, Lavender, Melissa, Neroli, Rosemary and other citrus oils.
PROPERTIES
(according to
popular herbalist tradition)
Essential oil of key lime is one of the most highly prized citrus essences in the fine fragrance industry for the refinement of its note.
Non-toxic and non-irritant, like other citrus oils it has a refreshing and anti-depressant action. It also has anti-septic, astringent, anti-toxic, bactericide, cicatrizant, styptic, fever-reducing, rubefacient, tonic and anti-helminthic properties.
It's an excellent remedy for acne, eczema, insect bites, calluses and labial herpes; it's advisable to avoid exposure to sunlight after application, however, as it is a mildly phototoxic oil.
It's used as a fragrance component in perfumes, soaps and detergents. It's also used in the soft drinks industry, as an ingredient in chewing gum, and as a source of citric acid.
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