Lime (fruit)
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
| ;"|Lime | ||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
 Unripened Key limes
|
||||||||||||
| ;" | Scientific classification | ||||||||||||
|
| Lime, raw (edible parts) Nutritional value per 100 g (3.5 oz) |
||||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Energy 30 kcal 130 kJ | ||||||||||||||
|
||||||||||||||
| Percentages are relative to US recommendations for adults. Source: USDA Nutrient database |
||||||||||||||
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. Limes are often used to accent the flavors of foods and beverages. They are usually smaller than lemons, and a great source of vitamin c
Contents |
[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 used in Key lime pie, a traditional Florida dessert, and 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 as a flavouring is typical of Persian cuisine and Iraqi cuisine. Limes are also an essential element in Tamil cuisine.
Lime leaves are also an herb in South, East and South East 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.
[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 | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 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); |
||||
[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)
- Supalime
- 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
 Kaffir lime fruit |
 Lime wedges are typically used in drinks. |
 Limes are usually used for reference. |
 Grocery store limes |
 Lime and Blossom growing in south Spain. |
[edit] References
 |
Wikimedia Commons has media related to: Lime |
