Limetta

Perfumers have a wide range of raw materials available to design fragrances, and limetta is one of them. Limetta, not to be confused with lime, is a fruit of the sweet lime tree. It is also called sweet lemon or Mediterranean lime. It is a shrub that can reach a height of 8 m. Its branches are irregular, its bark is grayish-brown in color. It bears several thorns measuring between 1.5 cm and 7.5 cm. Its petiole length measures between 8 mm and 29 mm.

Characteristics of limetta essential oil

There are two kinds of sweet lime tree: citrus limettioides, or the sweet lime tree of Palestine, and citrus limetta, also called the sweet lime of Tunisia or limonette. The main producing countries of limetta are Haiti, Brazil, Mexico and Peru. Limetta essential oil is obtained by distilling the fruit. Limetta is the only citrus fruit whose essence is obtained by distillation. Citrus essences, in general, are obtained by cold expression of the peel. Perfumeries use limetta essence to modify citrus notes. The use of limetta essence is common in food. By adding limetta with mint, one can perfectly season rice and raw vegetables, which is original and fresh. In India, limetta is called mosambi and its juice is drunk. Limetta essence has many benefits, the most common being skin purification. Limetta is widely used in saunas, combined with eucalyptus.

Fragrances based on limetta essence

The feminine fragrance Cinéma Scénario d'été by Yves Saint Laurent is the most representative of the limetta note. This fragrance, of the floral olfactory family, was created in 2008. One recognizes both a tangy and fruity scent. Limetta appears alongside two other citrus fruits (sweet orange, clementine) in its top notes. Its heart notes are composed of ylang-ylang, jasmine and amaryllis. In the base notes, one finds white peach, white musks and amber. The intensity of Mexican limetta, softened by ylang-ylang, is felt alongside sun-kissed and fresh notes. This fragrance, with its limetta essences, is refined, timeless, for a seductive and discreet woman. The men's fragrance Antaeus by Chanel is another combination of limetta with citrus notes. Limetta and Indonesian patchouli enrich sage and labdanum cistus in it. It is a rare blend of the purity of lavender and an intricate leather accord, heightened by spicy and woody notes. This chypre fragrance with a limetta note suits elegant and virile men. Created in 1995, Pleasures by Estée Lauder is among the fresh floral fragrances. With a limetta note, it draws on the cocooning trends of the 90s. It is a statement of modern femininity of those years. Limetta appears as a top note with grapefruit. Its heart notes are made of spices consisting of pepper and pink pepper, which result in sweetness. The whole is wrapped in fruity and green jasmine, lily of the valley and rose. The base notes are woody, dry and heady with sandalwood and cedar. This fragrance with limetta essence remains fresh and understated.