Lime, or Citrus aurantifolia, is an essential ingredient in many cuisines around world. The fruit has many applications, from adding an acidic punch to drinks, to being used as a garnish on dishes or salads. Limes originated in Southeast Asia, but have since become a commonplace ingredient all over world.

In its native region, limes were found in India, Pakistan, and northern Burma. These areas provided ideal growing conditions for limes, with right temperature, light, and moisture. It’s believed that limes first started to be cultivated in India over 4,000 years ago, and due to their popularity, gradually spread to other parts of Southeast Asia.

The first written reference to limes came from ancient Sanskrit texts, where they were referred to by a number of different names. This is where modern name of ‘lime’ originated from. From Asia, limes made their way to Egypt and Mediterranean region, where they became a very popular food item.

From there, limes were introduced to New World by Spanish explorers in 16th century. The explorers brought limes with them on their ships and planted them in Caribbean and Americas, where they found ideal growing conditions. By 18th century, limes were widely cultivated in Americas, and they became a popular ingredient in many cuisines.

Today, limes are grown in many parts of world. Mexico and U.S. produce most limes, but they are also grown in India, Peru, Brazil, Egypt, and many other countries. The popularity of limes is based on its versatility, as it’s used in a variety of dishes and drinks, such as salsa, guacamole, and margaritas.

In conclusion, limes originated in Southeast Asia, but due to its popularity, it has spread all over world, becoming a very popular ingredient in many cuisines. Today, limes are grown in many countries, from Mexico and the U.S., to India, Peru, and Brazil. The versatile fruit is used for a variety of dishes and drinks, and its refreshing taste continues to be a favorite among many.