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Lime
Kaffir Lime fruit
Scientific classification
Kingdom: Plantae Division: Magnoliophyta Class: Magnoliopsida Subclass: Rosidae Order: Sapindales Family: Rutaceae Genus: Citrus

Lime, raw (edible parts) Nutritional value per 100 g (3.5 oz)
Energy 30 kcal   130 kJ
Carbohydrates     11 g - Sugars  1.7 g - Dietary fiber  3 g   Fat 0.2 g Protein 0.7 g Water 88 g Vitamin C  29 mg 48%
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.

Contents 1 Varieties 2 Uses 2.1 Drinks 2.2 Cooking 2.3 Other uses 3 Production trends 4 Fruits known as "lime" 5 See also 6 Notes 7 Gallery 8 References 9 External links

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)

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.

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.

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.

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

• 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.)

1. ^ Comparison of Key and Persian lime fruits
2. ^ Calamondin

A cluster of unripened limes on a bush.	Lime wedges are typically used in drinks.	A closeup of a whole lime.	Grocery store limes
Lime and Blossom growing in south Spain.

• Citrus aurantifolia Swingle
• Tahiti Lime
• Citrus (Orange, Lemon, Lime, Grapefruit, Naartjie genus)
• Hort 403 - Lecture32
• Key Limes (Citrus aurantifolia)

• History and varieties of limes