Costa Rican limes, known to the locals as limones mandarinas but technically Rangpur limes, might just be the greatest fruit on earth. They’re not your typical lime, and honestly, once you’ve tasted one, you’ll wonder why the rest of the world hasn’t caught on. These beauties are a natural citrus cross, which explains their wild, slightly orange hue inside and that sweeter, almost tropical tang that sets them apart. On the outside, they’re not winning any beauty contests, and that’s exactly how you know they’re perfect. The best ones feel a little soft in your hand, with a bumpy, rugged skin that’s mostly green but maybe blushing orange here and there. Don’t let their rough appearance fool you — the uglier they look, the better they taste.
It’s a mystery to us why we can’t find these limes back home, despite endless searching and even a few failed attempts at growing them. They’ve been here in Costa Rica for generations, possibly arriving by the hands of early settlers or traders who recognized a good thing when they tasted it.
Unlike the mass-produced limes you’ll find in supermarkets, these aren’t grown for export on vast commercial farms. They’re part of the local landscape, thriving in home gardens and small groves, deeply woven into the everyday flavors of life here.
You’ll find Costa Rican limes everywhere in our kitchen, making everything better from the coldest beer to the freshest ceviche, giving that perfect zing to a margarita, or squeezing a little brightness over grilled fish, tropical fruit salads, and even in homemade marinades. Some locals swear by a squeeze of lime in their coffee, believe it or not, while others use it in natural remedies or to brighten up refreshing agua de sapo, a ginger-lime drink that’s as Costa Rican as it gets.
At Casa Roja, we always keep a basket of limes handy for our guests to enjoy. But if you’re feeling adventurous, let Graciela know you’d like to pick your own. She’ll take you across the river to Isla Violin, where the lime trees are heavy with fruit, and if you’re lucky, you might even spot a crocodile or two sunning themselves along the shore. There’s something unforgettable about plucking a warm, fragrant lime straight from the tree, knowing that in your hands is a piece of Costa Rica’s citrus treasure. We’ll be here waiting, with your ceviche and cold beer ready for that perfect final squeeze.
