Limes are a fruit known for their bright green color and acidic juice. Limes grow on flowering evergreens and are thought to have originated in Southeast Asia and been transported to the Mediterranean region about 1000 years ago. Now, commercially grown limes mostly come from warm climates like Mexico.
Limes share many qualities with their sister citrus fruit, lemons. But limes have a higher sugar and acidic content than lemons. The fruit can be dried, candied, preserved, baked, but the most common and desired use of the lime is for its bright tart juice, and also its citrusy zest.
The limes we are all most familiar with are called Persian limes. Another popular and specialty variety of limes is the Key lime (aka Mexican limes) which are smaller than regular limes, have a thinner skin, and actually more bitter than Persian limes. Because of this, Key limes are mostly used in desserts when the bitterness balances well with the sweetness of sugar (think Key Lime Pie!).
Lime juice is most commonly used in cuisine from Mexico, Latin America, Hawaii, and other island countries. You can search for recipes from these regions to make use of your lime juice, or you could add a splash of lime juice in toward the end of your cooking to flavor otherwise bland dishes like soups or pastas.
Where Can I Find Limes?
Limes are readily available in pretty much every supermarket. Specific varieties, such as Key limes are harder to find; look for them in well stocked markets and specialty food stores during their peak season (June through September).
What Do Limes Look Like?
Limes are distinguishable by their bright green coloring, lightly textured peel, and general oval shape. Key limes tend to be smaller, rounder, deeper in color (although the riper ones are more yellowish-green), and have a smoother skin.
I never had limes when I needed them (UNTIL NOW!)
FAQ
Can you cook in lime?
What is it called when you cook with lime?
Can you use lime instead of lemon for cooking?
Does lime get bitter when cooked?
What can you do with lime?
Make homemade limeade, a sweet tart tangy treat that’s positively delightful, or whip up a margarita if you love cocktails. Lime is perfect in dressings, sauces and vinaigrettes, or make it into a main dish dinner that will feed the whole family. These are some of our favorite recipes around, so…let’s get started!
What is the best type of lime?
Key Lime is considered to be the best tasting lime. Key Lime is one of the most typical varieties of limes. It has a more yellow shade on the skin than most other limes, and its acidic juice is high quality with a sweet and sour flavor.
What can you eat with lime?
Plus, lime isn’t overpowering, which means you can add it to your food without losing the other flavors. This list has everything from chicken wings and salmon to pie and fudge. So, if you want something zesty, spicy, or sweet, keep reading! 1. Honey Lime Chicken This honey-lime chicken really is as good as it sounds.
Can you get enough lime recipes?
You won’t be able to get enough of these lime recipes! From chicken dishes to tacos to sweet treats like Key lime pie, move over, lemons! Limes are the new kings in town.