The lime is a citrus fruit that grows on trees. The peel is green and the very acidic flesh is dark yellow. The lime, which is four to five centimeters in size and oval in shape, can be compared to the lemon, although it usually has fewer seeds. In the countries of origin, the lime has a similarly important place as the lemon in Germany. This is not surprising, because after all, it is perfect for almost all culinary delights and also valuable for health.
This is what you should know about the lime
The lime is a citrus fruit that grows on trees. The peel is green and the very acidic flesh is dark yellow. Originally from Malaysia, the lime belongs to the rue family. In the Middle Ages, travelers and crusaders brought them as far as Europe. In the meantime, the lime grows in numerous other tropical and Southeast Asian countries, for example in India, Sri Lanka, Egypt, Mexico, Kenya, Brazil, the West Indies and the Dominican Republic. One tree can yield more than 1,000 limes per year. In Germany, the citrus fruit is often referred to as lime. This is due in particular to the similarity to the term lemon. However, this often leads to confusion. The lime is actually the sister of the lemon. It is closely related to it. However, the lime is smaller, more acidic and contains fewer seeds than the lemon. One lime yields about twice as much juice. In addition, it has a green peel, while in the lemon it is yellow. Very often this is untreated and can be eaten in this case. The lime tastes much more sour and somewhat tart than the lemon. The latter can tolerate sub-zero temperatures, while the lime is extremely sensitive to cold. Therefore, it thrives exclusively in tropical climates. The trees die in frost. The evergreen lime trees or shrubs bear fruit all year round. Thanks to optimal transport routes, the lime is available in Germany throughout the year.
Importance for health
The lime has many positive effects on health. It has a disinfectant effect and, according to conjecture, prevents cancer. It also relieves rheumatic complaints and also has a mood-lifting effect. The lime is also excellent for a cold, sore throat, bronchitis, sinusitis and fever. The potassium it contains is needed for the nerve cells, for example. It is also important for the functioning of the heart and muscles. The calcium plays a particularly crucial role in the formation and maintenance of bones. The lime has an antioxidant and antiseptic effect due to the content of essential oils. The oils contained are also very popular in cosmetics. They have a refreshing, invigorating and concentration-enhancing effect. In general, citrus strengthens the immune system and defenses.
Ingredients and nutritional values
| Nutritional information |
Amount per 100 gram |
| Calories 30 | Fat content 0.2 g |
| Cholesterol 0 mg |
Sodium 2 mg |
| Potassium 102 mg | Carbohydrates 11 g |
| Dietary fiber 2.8 g |
Protein 0.7 g |
The lime contains slightly less vitamin C than the lemon, but it provides the body with more potassium, calcium, magnesium and phosphorus. In addition, the citrus fruit is rich in folic acid, zinc and vitamins, for example, vitamins B3, B5, B6 and E. In small quantities, a lime also contains sulfur, chlorine and sodium. The lime contains about 90 percent carbohydrates, 6 percent proteins and 4 percent fat. 100 grams of lime has absorbed 30 kilocalories.
Intolerances and allergies
Some people have sensitive stomachs, so the fruit acids contained in citrus fruits attack the stomach lining. The result is stomach pain and diarrhea. In the case of diseases of the digestive organs such as the stomach and intestines and of the skin such as neurodermatitis, it is advisable to avoid fruit rich in acids. Instead, bananas, apples and pears are advisable. However, it must always be tested individually whether the lime is tolerated.
Shopping and kitchen tips
When buying the lime should pay attention to the color: If the peel is bright green, the quality is correct.A dark green lime, on the other hand, can taste too sour, and a citrus fruit that has turned yellow is overripe and often tastes bitter. After the lime is harvested, the natural protective layer is very often washed off and replaced with a natural or artificial wax to make the fruit more durable. Therefore, limes marked “untreated” or “peel is fit for consumption” do not contain preservatives or pesticide residues, but they may be waxed. Therefore, the lime should always be washed hot. The peel is only safe if it is an organic lime, but it too should be washed. Since it is very thin, the flesh also dries out rather quickly. If the lime is left at room temperature for longer than five days, it becomes hard. In addition, it then gives less juice. It is recommended to store the lime in a cool and slightly humid room. Here it will keep at 10°C for up to four weeks. The juice and peel of the lime can also be frozen. Here, storage is possible for a long period of time.
Preparation tips
The lime can be used in many different ways. Since it is very acidic, it is not eaten pure. However, the juice is a good acidifier. It is used in sauces, cocktails and syrups. Freshly squeezed juice from a lime is indispensable for various cocktail classics, especially Caipirinha, Mojito and Margerita. For the Caipirinha, for example, brown cane sugar, cachaca and ice are used in addition to the lime to make it. But even non-alcoholic drinks can be spiced up with lime juice, for example lemonade drinks and iced teas. However, the lime is not only used for drinks, but also for food. In the kitchen, the juice or even the grated peel of the lime give a good touch to exotic dishes in particular. The grated peel also flavors the dough of cakes or pastries. In principle, the lime can be used almost everywhere, where otherwise a lemon is used. However, the aroma is best suited to Mexican, Indian, Latin American and Asian specialties. The lime is also suitable as a flavor addition to a fruit salad or yogurt drink. It also adds a pleasantly fresh note to quark dishes or desserts. The citrus fruit is also very popular for the preparation of fish sauce. The peel is thoroughly cleaned and grated for this purpose. The lime juice is also often used to acidify meat or fish. Lime also gives rice dishes a distinctive flavor. Loomi is made from the dried fruit. This spice is especially popular in Arab countries. Lime is also used in cosmetics, for example, in the production of various creams and shampoos.