Lemon Bag 2 Lb • $0.19/oz

Limes are small, green, round-to-oval citrus fruits known for their intensely tart and acidic flavor, and aromatic zest. They are a staple ingredient in global cuisine and popular for their juice in beverages and cocktails. Here is a breakdown of key information about limes: ### Common Types of Limes The two most common varieties you'll find commercially are: 1. **Persian Lime (*Citrus $\times$ latifolia*)** * Also known as the **Tahitian Lime** or **Bearss Lime**. * This is the standard lime you typically see in supermarkets. * They are larger, oval-shaped, generally seedless, and less acidic than the Key Lime. 2. **Key Lime (*Citrus $\times$ aurantiifolia*)** * Also known as the **Mexican Lime** or **West Indian Lime**. * They are smaller, rounder, and have a thinner rind. * They are more acidic, intensely flavored, and contain seeds. They are famously used for Key Lime Pie. Other notable varieties include: * **Kaffir/Makrut Lime (*Citrus hystrix*)**: Valued primarily for its distinctively fragrant, double-lobed leaves and its bumpy-skinned fruit's zest, which are essential in Southeast Asian cuisine. The fruit itself contains very little juice. * **Finger Lime (*Citrus australasica*)**: An Australian native with an elongated, finger-shaped fruit containing caviar-like vesicles of tart juice. ### Nutritional Highlights Limes are packed with essential nutrients, especially **Vitamin C**, and are low in calories. | Nutrient (per 100g of raw lime) | Amount | Daily Value (DV) \% | | :--- | :--- | :--- | | **Calories** | $\approx 30 \text{ kcal}$ | - | | **Vitamin C** | $\approx 29 \text{ mg}$ | $\approx 37\% \text{ of DV}$ | | **Carbohydrates** | $\approx 10 \text{ g}$ | - | | **Fiber** | $\approx 2.8 \text{ g}$ | $\approx 10\% \text{ of DV}$ | **Note:** Limes contain a high amount of **citric acid**, giving them their sour taste. Lime juice contains roughly twice the citric acid as grapefruit juice. ### Health Benefits The rich content of Vitamin C and antioxidants in limes contributes to several health benefits: * **Immune Support:** High Vitamin C content helps boost the immune system and protect against infections. * **Antioxidant Properties:** Limes contain powerful antioxidants like **flavonoids** and **limonoids** that help protect cells from damage caused by free radicals and reduce inflammation. * **Promotes Healthy Skin:** Vitamin C is essential for the production of **collagen**, which helps maintain skin firmness and strength. * **Aids Iron Absorption:** Vitamin C greatly enhances the body's ability to absorb non-heme iron (the type found in plants). * **Kidney Stone Prevention:** The citric acid in limes can help prevent kidney stones by increasing citrate levels in the urine, which binds to stone-forming minerals. ### Culinary Uses Limes are used in countless ways around the world: * **Flavoring:** The juice and zest are used to flavor drinks, desserts (like Key Lime Pie), savory dishes, marinades, and sauces. * **Savory Dishes:** Essential in Mexican (e.g., guacamole, tacos) and Southeast Asian cuisine (e.g., Thai curries, Vietnamese noodle soups). * **Beverages:** Used in cocktails (e.g., Margaritas, Daiquiris), limeade, and as a popular garnish. * **Acid/Cure:** The acid in lime juice is used to "cook" fish and seafood in preparations like **Ceviche**.