Lime fruit

Lime (fruit)

The lime is a small, round green fruit, and is a citrus species in the family Rutaceae. Known for its acidic, sour taste, the lime is an important ingredient in many cuisines around the world.

Description

The lime is a small citrus fruit, like a small orange, with skin and flesh that are green in color. The fruit's aroma is mainly due to limonene, which gives it a distinct, pleasant smell. The taste of lime is acidic and sour, which is due to its high concentration of citric acid.

Cultivation

Lime trees thrive in a consistently sunny and humid environment. The trees are propagated from grafting, and they start producing fruit at about three to six years old. They are grown all year round in tropical climates and are usually smaller and less sour than lemons.

Uses

Limes are used in a variety of culinary applications. They are a common ingredient in Mexican cuisine, Thai cuisine, and Vietnamese cuisine, among others. They are also used for their juice in cocktails, such as the Margarita and Mojito, and in other beverages like limeade. Lime oil from the peel is used in perfumes, cleaning products, and aromatherapy.

Health Benefits

Limes are a good source of vitamin C, and they also contain small amounts of iron, calcium, and vitamin B6. The citric acid in limes can help aid digestion, and the antioxidants may help protect the body from aging and disease.

Varieties

There are several varieties of limes, including the Persian lime, Key lime, Kaffir lime, and Desert lime. Each variety has its own unique taste and use.

See Also

• Lemon
• Citrus
• Vitamin C
• Citric acid