What is this food?
Calamansi (Philippine lemon) — a citrus fruit used as a sour flavoring for drinks, viands, and dipping sauces.
Why it matters to health
Calamansi adds flavor with relatively low calories (about 44 kcal per 100 g) and brings dietary fiber (2.4 g) that can help keep you full and support healthy digestion. It also has carbohydrates (8.3 g) with some natural sugar (1.5 g), so it’s a good choice for adding taste without needing lots of added sugar. The sodium is very low (3 mg), which is helpful if you’re watching salt. Its small amount of fat (1 g) is not a concern for most people.
Healthier tips
Use calamansi as your go-to souring agent instead of extra sugar or salty sauces. For meals and snacks: - Start with 1–2 tablespoons calamansi juice per serving for drinks and viands.
- Pair it with lean protein (fish, chicken, tofu) and vegetables to make your meal more balanced.
- If you’re making dipping sauce, keep the salt and sugar light; add chili, garlic, and herbs for more flavor.
- For drinks, avoid sweetened mixes—use calamansi with water and a small amount of natural sweetener if needed.
Common Filipino dishes
Sinigang na baboy, Sinigang na hipon, Calamansi chicken, Adobo with calamansi, Grilled fish with calamansi dip