Limes are generally considered sour and bitter, rather than sweet.
While both lemons and limes are tart, limes tend to be more bitter than lemons, according to the reference. This bitterness contributes to the perception that limes are sourer than lemons. The reference states, "lemons tend to err on the side of slightly sweet, whereas limes are usually more bitter." Therefore, you're more likely to pucker your face from the sour/bitter taste of a lime than you are from the slight sweetness of a lemon.
| Feature | Limes | Lemons |
|---|---|---|
| Sweetness | Less sweet, often bitter | Slightly more sweet |
| Sourness | More pronounced sour taste | Less pronounced sour taste |
| Tartness | High | High |
- Key Takeaway: Limes are primarily known for their sour and bitter taste profile, unlike lemons, which have a touch more sweetness.
