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From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

Lime is a term referring to a number of different fruits (generally citruses), both species and hybrids, which are typically round, green to yellow in color, 3-6 cm in diameter, generally containing sour pulp, and frequently associated with the lemon.

Varieties

The limes, most commonly available commercially are the smaller, yellower Key lime (also known as the Mexican Lime) (Citrus aurantifolia) and the larger, greener Persian lime (Citrus × latifolia).^[1] "Key lime" is an American retronym, as the original fruit known in English as a "lime" was Citrus aurantifolia, derived from the Persian name لیمو, limu (the fruit was introduced to Europe during the Crusades). Other limes include the Mandarin lime (Citrus limonia), Kaffir lime (Citrus hystrix), the various Australian limes, Spanish lime (Melicoccus bijugatus), wild lime (Adelia ricinella), sweet lime (Citrus limetta), Palestine sweet lime (Citrus limettioides), and musk lime (X Citrofortunella mitis).^[2] The limequat is a lime-kumquat hybrid, and Omani lime (A small lime with a very strong flavor and fragrant aroma)

Uses

Limes in drinks

Lime fruit, and particularly their juice, are used in beverages, such as limeade (akin to lemonade). Alcoholic beverages prepared with limes include cocktails such as gin and tonic, margarita, mojito, Caipirinha and Cuba libre, as well as many drinks that may be garnished with a thin slice of the fruit or corkscrew strip of the peel (twist). One customary consumption of tequila is in shots accompanied by lime wedges and salt. Beer is often served with limes in Mexico ^{[citation needed]}, as well as some other countries. Lime juice is also used in commercial soft drinks.

Limes in cooking

In cooking, lime is valued both for the acidity of its juice and the floral aroma of its zest. It is used in Key lime pie, a traditional Florida dessert, and is a very common ingredient in authentic Mexican and Southwestern American dishes. It is also used for its pickling properties in ceviche. Additionally, the leaves of the Kaffir lime are used in southeast Asian cuisine. The use of dried limes as a flavoring is typical of Persian cuisine and Sprite.

Other uses

In order to prevent scurvy during the 19th century, British sailors were issued a daily allowance of citrus such as lime (presumably Citrus aurantifolia), which led in time to the nickname "limey" for all Britons. It was later discovered that this beneficial effect derived from the quantities of Vitamin C the fruit contains.

Lime extracts and essential oils are frequently used in perfumes, cleaning products, and aromatherapy.

Limes are also used as a reference of measurement for drug paraphinilia.

Limes are also used as an accompaniment to several beer brands. This has led to a British drinking game being created called 'Chew the Lime'. This involves contestants attempting to throw the lime into opponents drinks. It is quite rare for this to go according to plan and in many instances the thrower misses their target. However, should the thrower get the lime in the glass, then the person who has the misfortune to have lime in their drink must 'Chew the Lime' while all other members chant accordingly

Production trends

Lemon and lime output in 2005

According to FAO, Mexico produced almost 12% of the global output of lemons and limes in 2005 followed by India, Argentina, Iran and Brazil.