Scientifically known as Citrus aurantifolia , the lime is a strongly aromatic fruit belonging to the citrus family. Native to Asia, the lime is considered by many botanists to be a natural hybrid of the citron with another species. Very sensitive to cold, it grows in areas with tropical and subtropical climates.
In the past, limes were exported in huge quantities from Malaysia and India to the United Kingdom to meet the needs of sailors. The fruit was in fact considered a natural remedy equivalent to lemons for the prevention of scurvy , a disease caused by a deficiency of ascorbic acid, or vitamin C. In memory of these historical customs, part of the English docks are still called “Limehouse”.
Lime fruit
Lime is a very robust citrus variety, similar to lemon, but decidedly less sour. The taste is actually pleasant, so much so that this fruit is commonly used in cooking, to make cocktails and also as an ingredient in desserts and candies.
Lime acidity is generally so light that it does not even reach 0.1%. The tree that produces it is small and has thorny branches. The fruits are small, slightly oval and almost always green. The peel is rich in essential oils , while the pulp is very juicy.
Like all fruits belonging to the citrus family, lime also has a series of precious properties that make it a food ally of the body’s well-being, from many points of view.
Properties and benefits of Lime
A true concentrate of beneficial substances for the body , lime has numerous properties that help preserve our well-being. It is a fruit extremely rich in vitamin C , an essential substance that ensures several positive effects on the human body, including strengthening the immune system and bones and teeth. Lime also contains high quantities of mineral salts, as well as having important antioxidant properties . Consuming this type of fruit therefore helps to hinder the activity of free radicals, protecting cells from premature aging .
In addition to the juice, the pulp and peel of the lime also contain substances beneficial to the body, such as polyphenols and terpenes, which are also antioxidant molecules useful for combating the onset of tumors. Scientific literature has highlighted a series of additional positive properties possessed by this fruit. For example, grated and inhaled lime peel offers immediate relief in the presence of respiratory disorders.
Like other citrus fruits, lime is effective in lowering blood cholesterol levels . The fruit also facilitates the digestive process, prevents urinary infections and is a panacea for the eyesight, helping to combat macular degeneration and aging of the eyes. A positive effect has also been found in the treatment of cholera, linked to the antibacterial action of the high levels of acid contained in lime juice.
Nutritional values and calories of lime
Lime has a rather limited energy density . Calories are provided mainly by simple carbohydrates, followed marginally by proteins and lipids. Lime is cholesterol-free, provides a fair amount of fiber and is a good source of water. If consumed regularly, it therefore promotes the body’s state of hydration.
For 100 grams of lime, the caloric intake is equal to 14 Kcal, divided as follows:
- Water , approximately 90 grams;
- Carbohydrates , approximately 8 grams;
- Protein , less than 0.5 grams;
- Fiber , less than 0.5 grams.
How to use lime
There are truly many uses that can be made of lime in the culinary field and beyond. In the food sector, lime can be used for example for:
- Marinate the chicken;
- Prepare the guacamole ;
- Flavor the extra virgin olive oil;
- Season fresh fish tartare, such as salmon and tuna;
- Season the fruit in the fruit salad so that it doesn’t turn black;
- Season the meat;
- Prepare ice creams , granitas and sorbets.
Preserved in a jar, the fruit is a typical Indian product. Lime is also an essential ingredient in the preparation of some cocktails, such as the famous mojito of Cuban origins.
Its strong aroma makes it a good remedy against mosquitoes, a nightmare on hot summer evenings. It is therefore possible to apply lime directly on the skin, to thus keep away the annoying insects.
Lime is also widely used in the cosmetics sector. For example, it is used as a natural ingredient in perfumes, creams and soaps. The essential oil extracted from its peel is particularly exploited , and is able to give a note of freshness to cosmetic products that feature it.
Mixed with other natural substances such as vinegar and lemon, lime proves to be an effective ingredient for making eco-friendly detergents and sprays for household cleaning. A compound made with these three green components can be used practically anywhere in the house: from the bathroom to the kitchen, including window glass. It is in fact an excellent natural disinfectant that, in addition to being economical, fills the home environment with a pleasant scent, offering a touch of freshness.
You may be interested in our related article dedicated to the red lemon .
Differences between lime and lemon
Although similar to each other, limes and lemons have some differences. The first are visible to the naked eye. The lemon is characterized by larger dimensions and is yellow in color. The lime, on the other hand, is smaller and tends to be green in color.
Further differences can be found when tasting. Lemon juice is sweeter, as this fruit is richer in sugars. Lime is more sour, in addition to being less rich in vitamin C than lemon.
Contraindications of Lime
Although it is a fruit rich in beneficial properties, you should not overdo the consumption of lime and its juice. The risk you run is to run into unpleasant side effects. Lime contains, for example, high levels of potassium, a mineral that if taken in excess could negatively affect the correct functioning of the kidneys .
If used in excessive quantities, lime juice may also be irritating to the oral mucosa.
Furthermore, it is best not to put human skin in direct contact with the peel or pulp of lime, subsequently exposing it to the sun. The fruit is rich in coumarins, substances that when under the influence of ultraviolet light cause an annoying reaction, known as phytophotodermatitis , which manifests itself with symptoms such as burning, erythema, patches, vesicles, blisters or hyperpigmented areas.
