Citrus fruits were brought to Colombia during the colonial period. These were installed in different regions of the country between 0 to 2000 m above sea level.
Citrus fruits are useful plants from the subtropics that are quite well adapted to tropical conditions and show good production results; Tahiti grapes and limes are noted for their high quality and represent great export opportunities. It should be noted that there are not many lemon (Citrus lemon) plants in Colombia; Instead, many sour limes are grown. Some of them are bird lemon or Castile lemon (Citrus aurantifolia L.) and Tahitian lime (Citrus latifolia tanaka), which yield 15 to 40 tonnes per hectare.
Tahiti lime by-products include fresh and processed products, concentrated juices, distilled oils, terpenes, pectin, citric acid, and dried peels. The department of Nario is the main producer, followed by Tolima, Caca, Santander, Antioquia and Risaralda. Commercially oriented production takes place between 1,500 and 1,600 meters above sea level at temperatures between 18 and 30 °C.
In times of scarcity, supermarkets import Valencia oranges (and a few other smaller types) from Peru, Venezuela, Ecuador, and the occasional “Washington” orange from Spain and the United States.
Medical Benefits: Detoxification, cleansing, combats high blood pressure, is an excellent digestive agent, acts as a liver balm for flu and colds, antiseptic, pain reliever, deodorant, burns fat, soothes the throat and improves blood circulation.
Uses: This fruit is used to make lemonade, cake toppings and other gifts and candies. It is used to flavor a variety of meats and is considered a vinegar substitute for dressings and sauces.
As a beauty treatment, lemon juice is used to rinse hair, which creates a slight reflection when exposed to sunlight. It is also used as a refreshing lotion on the face.
Lemon juice is used throughout the home as a cleaning agent for utensils in which limescale accumulates, such as in coffee machines. It is also known to use a full lemon in the trash to get rid of unwanted odors.
Lemon juice and powder extracted from dry fruits are very useful in the medicinal field. Along with other substances, it is used to treat headaches, flu, respiratory diseases and gastritis.
The diluted juice, or even in its pure form, is used on wounds, herpes and burns, while gargling helps fight infections in the mouth and throat. When used as an eye drop, it helps fight conjunctivitis.
This fruit is known for its antiseptic and healing properties as well as its beneficial effects against fever, stomach upset and high blood pressure.