Lime (fruit)
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| Lime | ||||||||||||||
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 Unripened Key limes
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| Lime, raw (edible parts) Nutritional value per 100 g (3.5 oz) |
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| Energy 30 kcal 130 kJ | ||||||||||||||
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| Percentages are relative to US recommendations for adults. Source: USDA Nutrient database |
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Lime is a term referring to a number of different fruits (generally citruses), both species and hybrids, which have their origin in the Himalayan region of India, and which are typically round, green to yellow in color, 3–6 cm in diameter, generally containing sour and acidic pulp. They are frequently associated with the lemon. Limes are often used to accent the flavors of foods and beverages. They are usually smaller than lemons, and a good source of vitamin C. Limes are grown all year round and are usually sweeter than lemons.
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[edit] Uses
[edit] Cooking
In cooking, lime is valued both for the acidity of its juice and the floral aroma of its zest. It is a very common ingredient in authentic Mexican, Southwestern United States and Thai dishes. It is also used for its pickling properties in ceviche. Additionally, the leaves of lime are used in southeast Asian cuisine. The use of dried limes (called black lime or loomi) as a flavouring is typical of Persian cuisine and Iraqi cuisine, as well as in Gulf-style baharat (a spice mixture that is also called kabsa or kebsa). Limes are also an essential element in Tamil cuisine.
Lime leaves are also a herb in South, East, and particularly Southeast Asia. In Vietnam, people have boiled chicken with lime leaves and a mixture of salt, black pepper and lime juice.
[edit] 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)[citation needed], 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. Lime is also used occasionally to enhance vision by many Asian martial artists. It is done by squeezing a drop or two on the inside corner of the eye. An initial stinging sensation is felt but subsides, this should not be done on a daily/routine basis.
Lime juice can be used to make your hair become lighter with sun exposure, however it can make your skin darker with sunlight.
[edit] Production trends
India with ~16% of worlds overall lemon and lime output tops the production list, followed by Mexico(~14.5%), Argentina(~10%), Brazil(~8%) and Spain(~7%).
| Top Ten Lemons and Limes Producers — 2007 | ||||
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| Country | Production (Tonnes) | Footnote | ||
 India |
2060000 | F | ||
 Mexico |
1880000 | F | ||
 Argentina |
1260000 | F | ||
 Brazil |
1060000 | F | ||
 Spain |
880000 | F | ||
 People's Republic of China |
745100 | F | ||
 United States |
722000 | |||
 Turkey |
706652 | |||
 Iran |
615000 | F | ||
 Italy |
546584 | |||
 World |
13032388 | A | ||
| No symbol = official figure, P = official figure, F = FAO estimate, * = Unofficial/Semi-official/mirror data, C = Calculated figure A = Aggregate(may include official, semi-official or estimates); |
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[edit] Plants known as "lime"
- Australian limes
- Australian desert lime (Citrus glauca)
- Australian finger lime (Citrus australasica)
- Australian round lime (Citrus australis)
- Blood lime
- Kaffir lime (Citrus hystrix) (a.k.a. kieffer lime; makrut, or magrood)
- Key lime (Citrus aurantifolia) (a.k.a. Mexican, West Indian, or Bartender's lime)
- Mandarin Lime (Citrus limonia)
- Musk lime (X Citrofortunella mitis)
- Palestine sweet lime (Citrus limettioides)
- Persian lime (Citrus x latifolia) (a.k.a. Tahiti or Bearss lime)
- Spanish lime (Melicoccus bijugatus) (a.k.a. mamoncillo, mamón, ginep, quenepa, or limoncillo) (not a citrus)
- Sweet lime (Citrus limetta) (a.k.a. sweet limetta, Mediterranean sweet lemon)
- Wild lime (Adelia ricinella)
- Limequat (lime × kumquat)
- Lime tree (Tilia sp.)
[edit] Gallery
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 Kaffir lime fruit |
 Lime wedges are typically used in drinks |
 Sliced limes |
 A closeup of a whole lime |
 Grocery store limes |
 Lime and Blossom growing in south Spain |
[edit] References
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Wikimedia Commons has media related to: Lime |
