Calamansi is also known as a “calamondin” or “Philippine lime.”

For ages, calamansi has been a cooking staple in the Philippines and Southeast Asia.

Its flavor is a very tart combination of lemon, lime and orange.

Calamansi on a designed background

Adobe Stock / fkruger

In colder regions, the trees are also grown as house plants.

Once planted, trees can take anywhere from three to five years to bear fruit.

Luckily, it is easy to find 100% calamansi juice and puree in shops and online.

Bistek Tagalog

Brie Passano

When Is Calamansi in Season?

Calamansi, like other vitamin C-rich foods, is also praised for its antioxidant qualities.

In the Philippines, calamansi juice is frequently drunk as a remedy for an upset stomach.

Calamansi Rickey Cocktail

Joy Howard

Fully orange fruits are overripe and green fruits are underripe.

The skin should be smooth and feel firm to the touch.

When ready to use, gently wash them like any other citrus fruit.

With this in mind, the list of applications is nearly endless.

In recipes that require lemons or limes, try substituting some calamansi instead.

Below are two of our favorite recipes featuring calamansi.

Calamansi Rickey Cocktail

This quick and easy cocktail showcases the refreshing zing of calamansi.

For a nonalcoholic version, simply leave out the gin.