Lime Peel Tea Recipe

Learn how to make lime peel tea with fresh or dried limes. This easy citrus tea recipe is a warm cozy drink sweetened with honey that is perfect for chilly days or a comforting cup to soothe a cold.

I’ve been working on writing down a few fall recipes using citrus, and this lime peel tea is simply delicious! It can be made with either fresh limes or dried limes but my favorite uses dried limes. Limes are full of flavor and nutrition making them a perfect tea for a cozy drink. It’s also loaded with health benefits.

What is Lime Peel Tea?

Lime peel tea is just like it sounds – a hot tea made with lime peels. While you can absolutely make tea with just lime peels, I use the juicy fruit inside as well. Lime peel tea can be made with fresh limes or you can dry them. Some people think that the fresh peels taste less bitter but I personally think that the dried fruit has less of an acidic taste. You can be the judge and try this recipe both ways! I’d love to hear what you think in the comments below!

Ingredients for Dried Lime Peel Tea

• Limes – You can use pretty much any type of edible lime you’d like to for this recipe. I used standed grocery store limes which I thought were flavorful and tart! I also dried my limes first by dehydrating them at 135° for about 12 hours. Learn more about how to dry citrus here.
• Water – While water may be an overlooked ingredient, it can play an important role in tea. Fresh water adds to the aroma and flavor of your tea. I like to use fresh filtered water whenever possible.
• Honey – I love to sweeten my herbal tea with honey. Limes are pretty sour on their own, but with a little honey that tartness is minimal and only the delicious lime flavor shines on!

How To Prepare Lime Peel Tea

1. Start by adding your lime slices to a small pot. I use about 4 lime slices per cup of water. 
2. Pour water over the lime and turn the heat on to medium.
3. Set a time for 10 minutes total.
4. Bring the water to a boil and then down to a light simmer until the 10 minutes are completed.
5. Strain out the lime.
6. Add honey or any sweetener you prefer.
7. Enjoy!

Tips & Tricks for Enjoying Lime Peel Tea

• For added zing, garnish your cup of tea with a few slices of fresh lime.
• Sweeten your tea with honey or any other natural sweetener of your choice.
• Add a sprig of mint leaves to your tea for more bright herbal flavors.
• Enjoy a cup of lime tea to soothe your sore throat and reduce inflammation. 
• Add a few teaspoons of fresh diced ginger.
• Add some lemon peels to your Lime Peel Tea for an even more robust flavor. 
• Save time by making a big batch ahead of time and storing it overnight in the fridge for a cool, refreshing drink in the morning. ƒ

Lime Varieties

While you can use any edible limes for this recipe, here are a few lime varieties.

• Persian Limes: Also known as Tahiti limes, these are the most common types found in most grocery stores. They are usually seedless and have a robust, tangy flavor that complements the tea beautifully.
• Makrut Limes: These have a unique aroma with a slightly sweeter flavor. The peel is bumpy and quite thick.
• Key Limes: These are smaller and have a more tart, aromatic flavor compared to regular limes. They are perfect if you like your tea with a strong citrus note.
• Finger Limes: Known as ‘citrus caviar’, they have a distinct, zesty taste. The juice vesicles in these limes add an interesting texture to your tea.

Do I have to remove the white stuff from the lime peel?

Honestly, it’s up to you. I use the whole lime, peel, pith, and fruit. However, you can just use the outside peel if you desire. Consider using a fruit peeler to get only the skin. 

Health Benefits of Lime Peel Tea

Lime Peel Tea is not only tasty, but limes are rich in essential nutrients and antioxidants, which can boost your immunity, enhance your digestion, and even aid in weight loss. 

1. Boosts Immunity: Limes are packed with vitamin C, a nutrient renowned for its immune-boosting properties.
2. Enhances Digestion: The fiber content in limes can help improve your digestion.
3. Aids Weight Loss: Lime has properties that can assist in weight loss by boosting metabolism and reducing fat accumulation.

Health Risks of Lime Peel Tea

While Lime Peel Tea is generally safe to consume, there are a few risks that you should be aware of. As always, you should consult your doctor before making any changes to your health routine. The acidity of limes can cause irritation if it comes in contact with your skin or eyes or if you have an allergy to citrus. You should always brush your teeth after enjoying limes as their acidity could increase the risk of cavities.

Why You’ll Love Lime Peel Tea

• Fresh Flavor – Lime Peel Tea is a remarkable drink that brings together the zesty freshness of lime and the comforting warmth of tea. It might surprise you, but the peel of the lime, usually discarded, is a powerhouse of nutrients and flavors that can transform your daily tea into a wellness drink.
• Amazing Taste – One of the most striking aspects of Lime Peel Tea is its unique taste. The citrusy tang from the lime peel blends harmoniously with the mellow flavors of the tea, creating a beverage that is refreshing, calming, and invigorating all at once. It’s like having a slice of summer in your teacup, even in the middle of winter!
• Nutritious

Lime Peel Tea vs. Lemon Tea

Like lime, lemon is another citrus fruit whose peel is used to make tea. While both are tangy and refreshing, limes have a distinct flavor and fragrance.

So the next time you have extra limes in your kitchen, remember to save them for making tea! They can be your key to a delightful cup of Lime Peel Tea that is not just delicious, but also brimming with health benefits. Whether you are looking for a soothing drink before bed, a remedy for a sore throat, or simply a unique way to use leftover lime peels, Lime Peel Tea may be your answer.

Storage and Shelf Life of Prepared Tea

Lime peel tea really tastes best when freshly made. However, you can make this tea a day in advance and store it in the refrigerator until serving.

FAQs

Can you use fresh lime peels to make tea?

Yes, you can use fresh lime peels to make your own cup of Lime Peel Tea. However, I like to dry the peels before using them as it enhances the flavor and aroma of the tea. 

Is Lime Peel Tea safe for pregnant women? 

When making any changes to your health routine, I recommend consulting your doctor.

Can Lime Peel Tea help with weight loss?

Lime Peel Tea may aid in weight loss. The limes are rich in fiber and have properties that can boost metabolism and reduce fat accumulation. However, remember that drinking Lime Peel Tea should be part of a balanced diet and healthy lifestyle for effective weight loss.

How often should I drink Lime Peel Tea?

For general wellness, drinking a moderate amount of tea is recommended. However, everyone’s body reacts differently to various foods and beverages, so it’s important to listen to your body consult your doctor and adjust your consumption accordingly.

Does Lime Peel Tea have caffeine?

Lime Peel Tea itself does not contain caffeine. However, if you’re combining the lime peel with caffeinated tea leaves, such as black or green tea, then your beverage will contain caffeine. 

What should I do with the lime fruit after I use the peels?

After you use the peels to make Lime Peel Tea, there are plenty of ways you can still enjoy the limes! You can squeeze some lime juice into your tea for added flavor, or use them in salads and other dishes. You can also just eat the fruit as it is for a delicious snack. 

Are there any side effects of drinking Lime Peel Tea?

While Lime Peel Tea is generally safe to consume, it’s worth noting that excessive consumption can lead to digestive issues due to its high acidity. Additionally, if you are allergic to citrus or have medication that limes might interfere with would all be reasons to avoid this tea. You should always consult with your doctor before making any changes to your wellness routine.

More Teas You Will Love

• Lemon, Ginger, and Garlic Tea
• Ginger Tea with Lemon and Honey
• Lemon Tea

I hope you love this easy recipe for how to make ginger tea! I’d love to hear from you! If you like this recipe please give it a 5-star review and leave a comment below!