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by Answerbag Staff on April 14th, 2010

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Why don't limes have seeds like lemons?

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  • by Julia Koontz on April 14th, 2010

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    Professionally Researched. (What's this?)

    Lemons and limes are two closely related and commonly found citrus fruits but they have some key differences in terms of how they are grown, the types that are found most often, and the presence of seeds.

    Presence of Seeds

    Despite being closely related to limes, lemons normally have seeds while limes in the U.S. often do not. In lemons, these seeds are typically found near the center of the fruit.

    Seedless Limes

    Most limes purchased in the U.S. do not have seeds because they have been bred to no longer have them, though there are some exceptions to this rule. They are bred this way for ease of use when cooking and eating. The two most common types of limes (the Persian and Tahitian) are examples of seedless limes. They were bred this way through grafting and selective breeding for many years to ensure that they will be seedless.

    Limes with Seeds

    Not all limes are seedless, however. The Key Lime, another popular variety, possesses seeds. Key Lime seeds can be used for reproduction, unlike the Tahitian lime, which does not have any viable pollen.

    Lemons with Seeds

    The most common varieties of lemons purchased in the United States have many seeds. These include Eurekas, Lisbons, Ponderosas and Meyers. Lisbons and Ponderosas tend to possess the most seeds. There are many other less common varieties as well.

    Lemons without Seeds

    Scientists have been working to selectively breed, graft, and produce seedless lemons without successful results yet. As early as 1911 "The New York Times" reported that this had been done, but it was later proven that while some lemons do grow without seeds some still possess a few, keeping the lemon from truly being declared seedless.

    Source:

    Food Reference: Limes

    The World's Healthiest Foods: Lemon/Limes

    Purdue: Tahiti Lime

    Purdue: Lemons

    NY Times: Seedless Lemons Found

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