Lime (fruit)

__NOTOC__ Lime, or baby lemon, is an ambiguous term in the context of fruit, referring to a number of different citrus hybrids and cultivars with typically round, green to yellow fruit, 3–6 cm in diameter, generally containing sour pulp, and frequently associated with the lemon. 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 an American retronym, as the original fruit known in English as a "lime" was Citrus × aurantifolia, derived from the Persian name لیمو Limu as the fruit was introduced to Europe during the Crusades. The limequat is a lime-kumquat hybrid. In use, "lime" can refer either to a quantity of the fruit, typically crushed and including the peel, or to just the pungent juice.

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 (× Citrofortunella mitis).

Limes are usually a shrubby tree, 3–6m tall. Dwarf cultivars are popular with many growers and can be grown indoors in winter in colder climates. The trunk rarely grows straight, with many branches that often originate quite far down on the trunk. The leaves are ovate 4–12 cm long and 2-3 cm broad, resembling other citrus leaves. The flowers are 1–3 cm in diameter, are yellowish white with a light purple tinge on the margins. The flowers and fruit appear throughout the year but are most abundant from late spring to late summer.

Lime fruit, and particularly their juice, are used in beverages, such as limeade (akin to lemonade). Alcoholic drinks prepared with limes include cocktails such as the gin and tonic, margarita, mojito, 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, 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. Perhaps most famously, it is used in Key lime pie. 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 flavouring is typical of Persian cuisine.

In order to prevent scurvy during the 1800s, British sailors were issued a daily allowance of citrus such as lime (presumably Citrus × aurantifolia), giving them the nickname Limey. It was later discovered that this beneficial effect derived from the quantities of vitamin C the fruit contain.

Lime extracts and essential oils are frequently used in perfumes, cleansing products, and for aromatherapy. Such use should not be confused with that of the unrelated lime tree (Tilia sp.).

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History and varieties of limes

Citrus

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