Lime or Citrus aurantifolia is one of the major member groups in the citrus fruits society that has a strong resemblance to lemons. It is resistant to disease and pests and has a thicker rind. Limes are picked slightly immature, while still green in color (limes turn yellows when fully ripe, and might be confused with lemons). Limes, including Key Limes, actually contain less vitamin C than lemons. Now let’s check these ten interesting and fun facts about lime.
10 Facts About Lime Fruit
Lime trees, which are native to Southeast Asia, are usually grown in temperate climates. They probably originated in Indonesia or Malaysia. Gradually they went towards the eastern Mediterranean with the Arabs and the western Mediterranean with returning crusaders.
Another fact – the lime made its way to the West Indies with Columbus on his second voyage.
This lime plant can attain a height of 90 feet and can live for around 1000 years.
Lime trees are deciduous (i.e. they shed their leaves seasonally). It not only has medicinal value but it can be planted as an ornamental street tree.
Depending on the species, the fragrance of lime ranges from strong to sweet to quite rich.
The limes we use generally are key limes. Key limes are a special type of lime, which mainly comes from a seaport in Florida, Key West. These limes are smaller, more yellow, and have more seeds than normal limes or Persian limes that we usually get at the market.
What comes instantly to our mind when we talk about key lime? Key lime pie.
Key lime pie, the immensely popular American pie has been named after the name of the lime i.e. key lime. This pie consists of a lime-flavored custard topped with meringue – a mixture of egg white and sugar.
Key lime pie is the official dessert of Key West. The taste of key lime is very sour and this sour juice is used to make a perfect custard-like filling for pies.
Be it Persian lime or key lime – the ultimate winner to enrich your food with vitamin C is the lime.
