Changes in the Peel Oil Composition of Kagzi Lime (<i>Citrus aurantifolia</i>Swingle) during Ripening

Abstract

Abstract The peel oil of Kagzi lime (Citrus aurantifolia Swingle) was isolated by hydrodistillation at six ripening stages and analyzed by GC. Nineteen components were identified and some important aroma components were observed at higher concentrations than normally reported such as neral and geranial (7.8%), geraniol (7.3%) and citronellol (1.2%), particularly in green fruits. A decrease in oxygenated monoterpenes and an increase in monoterpene hydrocarbons was observed during ripening. The peel of mature green lime fruits was found rich in organoleptically important oxygenated constituents (29.7%). Key Word Index: Citrus aurantifolia Rutaceae'kagzi'limeessential oil compositionβ-pinenelimonene