Lime vs. Bergamot: What's the Difference?
Edited by Janet White || By Harlon Moss || Updated on November 10, 2023
"Lime" is a green citrus fruit known for its sour taste, used in food and drinks, while "bergamot" is a citrus fruit primarily used for its aromatic oil, often in perfumes and Earl Grey tea.
Key Differences
Lime is a small, green citrus fruit, known for its acidic, tangy flavor, commonly used in cooking, beverages, and as a garnish. Bergamot, on the other hand, is a citrus fruit, larger than a lime, with a distinct aromatic quality, and is rarely consumed as a fruit due to its bitter taste.
The juice of a lime is widely used in culinary dishes, cocktails, and desserts for its sharp, refreshing taste. Bergamot, however, is prized for its essential oil, extracted from the peel, which is a key ingredient in fragrances and the distinctive flavor of Earl Grey tea.
In terms of appearance, limes are typically bright green, small, and round, with a thin skin. Bergamot oranges are yellow or green, resembling a cross between an orange and a lemon, with a bumpy, thick peel.
The origin and cultivation of limes are widespread in tropical and subtropical regions, with several varieties available. Bergamot is primarily grown in the Calabria region of Italy, and its production is more limited due to its specific regional growth requirements.
Nutritional profile-wise, limes are a good source of vitamin C and antioxidants. Bergamot has unique compounds in its oil, used in aromatherapy and herbal medicine, but is not typically highlighted for its nutritional value.
ADVERTISEMENT
Comparison Chart
Definition
Green citrus fruit, sour taste
Citrus fruit, used for aromatic oil
Primary Use
Culinary, beverages, garnish
Perfumery, Earl Grey tea flavoring
Appearance
Small, green, thin-skinned
Larger, yellow/green, thick-skinned
Cultivation
Widespread in tropical regions
Mainly in Calabria, Italy
Nutritional Value
High in vitamin C, antioxidants
Not consumed for nutrition
ADVERTISEMENT
Lime and Bergamot Definitions
Lime
Garnish in culinary dishes.
She decorated the plate with a slice of lime.
Bergamot
Citrus fruit used for aromatic oil.
Bergamot oil is popular in perfumery.
Lime
Cocktail ingredient.
He garnished his drink with a lime wedge.
Bergamot
Fruit with a thick, bumpy peel.
Bergamot oranges have a characteristic bumpy skin.
Lime
Source of Vitamin C.
Limes are rich in vitamin C.
Bergamot
Not commonly consumed as a fruit.
Bergamot is more valued for its oil than as a fruit.
Lime
Sour flavor enhancer.
A dash of lime juice brightened the dish.
Bergamot
Flavoring for Earl Grey tea.
The distinct taste of Earl Grey comes from bergamot.
Lime
Any of several evergreen trees or shrubs of the genus Citrus having edible green or greenish-yellow fruit, especially the Mexican lime and the Persian lime.
Bergamot
Used in aromatherapy.
Bergamot oil is used for its calming properties.
Lime
The fruit of any of these plants, having a pulpy interior and usually acid juice.
Bergamot
A small tree (Citrus bergamia) commercially grown chiefly in southern Italy for its sour citrus fruits, the rinds of which yield an aromatic oil. Also called bergamot orange.
Lime
See linden.
Bergamot
The oil itself, used extensively in perfumery. Also called bergamot oil.
Lime
See calcium oxide.
Bergamot
Any of various aromatic plants in the genus Monarda of the mint family.
Lime
Any of various mineral and industrial forms of calcium oxide differing chiefly in water content and percentage of constituents such as magnesia, silica, alumina, and iron.
Bergamot
A tree of the orange family (Citrus × limon, syn. Citrus bergamia), having a roundish or pear-shaped fruit, from the rind of which an essential oil of delicious odor is extracted, much prized as a perfume.
Lime
Birdlime.
Lime
To treat with lime.
Lime
To smear with birdlime.
Lime
To catch or snare with or as if with birdlime.
Lime
(chemistry) Any inorganic material containing calcium, usually calcium oxide (quicklime) or calcium hydroxide (slaked lime).
Lime
(poetic) Any gluey or adhesive substance; something which traps or captures someone; sometimes a synonym for birdlime.
Lime
(theatre) A spotlight.
Lime
A deciduous tree of the genus Tilia, especially Tilia × europaea; the linden tree.
Lime
The wood of this tree.
Lime
Any of several green citrus fruit, somewhat smaller and sharper-tasting than a lemon.
Lime
Any of the trees that bear limes, especially Key lime, Citrus aurantiifolia.
Lime
(uncountable) A brilliant, sometimes yellowish, green colour associated with the fruits of a lime tree.
Lime
(fandom) A fan fiction story which contains sexual references, but stops short of full, explicit descriptions of sexual activity (coined by analogy with lemon).
Lime
A casual gathering to socialize.
Lime
(transitive) To treat with calcium hydroxide or calcium oxide (lime).
Lime
(transitive) To smear with birdlime.
Lime
(rare) To ensnare, catch, entrap.
Lime
(transitive) To apply limewash.
Lime
To hang out/socialize in an informal, relaxed environment, especially with friends, for example at a party or on the beach.
Lime
Containing lime or lime juice.
Lime
Having the aroma or flavor of lime.
Lime
Lime-green.
Lime
A thong by which a dog is led; a leash.
Lime
The linden tree. See Linden.
Lime
The fruit of the Citrus aurantifolia, allied to the lemon, but greener in color; also, the tree which bears it.
Lime
The color of the lime{1}, a yellowish-green.
Lime
Birdlime.
Like the limeThat foolish birds are caught with.
Lime
Oxide of calcium, CaO; the white or gray, caustic substance, usually called quicklime, obtained by calcining limestone or shells, the heat driving off carbon dioxide and leaving lime. It develops great heat when treated with water, forming slaked lime, and is an essential ingredient of cement, plastering, mortar, etc.
Lime
To smear with a viscous substance, as birdlime.
These twigs, in time, will come to be limed.
Lime
To entangle; to insnare.
We had limed ourselvesWith open eyes, and we must take the chance.
Lime
To treat with lime, or oxide or hydrate of calcium; to manure with lime; as, to lime hides for removing the hair; to lime sails in order to whiten them; to lime the lawn to decrease acidity of the soil.
Land may be improved by draining, marling, and liming.
Lime
To cement.
Lime
Having a yellowish-green color like that of the lime (the fruit).
Lime
A caustic substance produced by heating limestone
Lime
A white crystalline oxide used in the production of calcium hydroxide
Lime
A sticky adhesive that is smeared on small branches to capture small birds
Lime
Any of various related trees bearing limes
Lime
Any of various deciduous trees of the genus Tilia with heart-shaped leaves and drooping cymose clusters of yellowish often fragrant flowers; several yield valuable timber
Lime
The green acidic fruit of any of various lime trees
Lime
Spread birdlime on branches to catch birds
Lime
Cover with lime so as to induce growth;
Lime the lawn
Lime
Green citrus fruit.
She squeezed fresh lime into the salsa.
FAQs
Is bergamot oil safe for direct skin application?
It should be diluted as it can be photosensitive.
Does bergamot oil have medicinal uses?
Yes, it's used in herbal medicine and aromatherapy.
Can lime juice be used as a natural cleaner?
Yes, lime juice has natural cleaning properties.
Do limes come in varieties?
Yes, like Persian limes and key limes.
Is lime juice good for health?
Yes, it's high in vitamin C and antioxidants.
Are limes used in baking?
Yes, lime zest and juice are used in desserts.
Is bergamot cultivation limited to Italy?
While it thrives in Italy, it's also grown elsewhere.
Can bergamot fruit be eaten raw?
It's generally not eaten due to its bitter taste.
Are limes a key ingredient in Mexican cuisine?
Yes, they're widely used in Mexican dishes.
Are limes alkaline or acidic?
Limes are acidic in nature.
Can lime juice aid in digestion?
Yes, it can stimulate digestive enzymes.
Can lime prevent scurvy?
Yes, due to its high vitamin C content.
Does bergamot oil help with relaxation?
Yes, it's known for its calming effects.
Is bergamot oil used in all Earl Grey tea?
Most Earl Grey teas are flavored with bergamot oil.
Does bergamot oil have antidepressant properties?
Some studies suggest it may help uplift mood.
Is lime essential oil similar to bergamot oil?
They have different aromas and properties.
Can bergamot oil be used in hair care?
Yes, it's sometimes included in hair products.
Can limes be yellow?
Yes, when fully ripe, some limes turn yellow.
Does bergamot oil contain caffeine?
No, the oil itself does not contain caffeine.
Is bergamot used in cooking?
Rarely, its primary use is in oil form.
About Author
Written by
Harlon MossHarlon is a seasoned quality moderator and accomplished content writer for Difference Wiki. An alumnus of the prestigious University of California, he earned his degree in Computer Science. Leveraging his academic background, Harlon brings a meticulous and informed perspective to his work, ensuring content accuracy and excellence.
Edited by
Janet WhiteJanet White has been an esteemed writer and blogger for Difference Wiki. Holding a Master's degree in Science and Medical Journalism from the prestigious Boston University, she has consistently demonstrated her expertise and passion for her field. When she's not immersed in her work, Janet relishes her time exercising, delving into a good book, and cherishing moments with friends and family.
