The fruit is about 6 centimetres (2+1⁄2 inches) in diameter, often with slightly nippled ends, and is usually sold while green, although it yellows as it reaches full ripeness.

The advantages of the Persian lime in commercial agriculture compared to the key lime are the larger size, absence of seeds, hardiness, absence of thorns on the bushes, and longer fruit shelf life.

Persian limes were first grown on a large scale in Persia (now known as Iran) and southern Iraq.

Large numbers of Persian limes are grown, processed, and exported every year primarily from Mexico[6] to the American, European and Asian markets.

In 2014, Brazil was the major exporter of fresh limes to Europe (about 70%) with Mexico supplying most of the remainder.