About limes
Lime can refer to a number of different citruses with typically round, green to yellow fruits, 3 to 6 centimetres in diameter, and usually containing sour pulp. Limes are frequently associated with the lemon.
Did you know? A ripe lime is easily mistaken for an under-ripe lemon. Different varieties of limes can taste either sweet or sour.
The limes most commonly available commercially are the smaller, yellower Key lime (Citrus aurantifolia) and the larger, greener Persian lime (Citrus latifolia). "Key lime" is actually an American retronym, as the original fruit known in English as a "lime" was Citrus x aurantifolia, derived from the Persian name Limu as the fruit was introduced to Europe during the Crusades.
Did you know? the top producer of Limes in the world in 2007 was India, producing 2,060,000 tonnes.
Limes can be either sour or sweet. Sour limes (the limes generally found for sale and used in cooking) have a greater citric acid and sugar content than lemons and a tart, acidic taste.
Did you know? In order to prevent scurvy during the 19th century, British sailors were issued a daily allowance of a citrus such as lime, 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.
Limes are valued by cooks and chefs for the acidity of its juice and the floral aroma of the lime's zest. Limes are widely used in Mexican, Vietnamese and Thai cooking. In South East Asia the leaves of the lime tree or bush are used frequently in cooking.
Did you know? In India the lime is used as part of religious rituals to remove and ward off evil spirits.
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There are now some lemon and lime photographs.