Lime (fruit)

From Freepedia

Lime

Scientific classification

Kingdom:	Plantae
Division:	Magnoliophyta
Class:	Magnoliopsida
Subclass:	Rosidae
Order:	Sapindales
Family:	Rutaceae
Genus:	Citrus

Lime is actually an ambiguous term in the context of fruit, referring to a number of different citruses with typically round, green to yellow fruits, 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)^[1]. "Key lime" is actually an American retronym, as the original fruit known in English as a "lime" was Citrus x aurantifolia, derived from the Persian name لیمو Limu as the fruit was introduced to Europe during the Crusades. 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), musk lime (X Citrofortunella mitis)^[2],

This usually is a shrubby tree, to 5m (16ft). Dwarf varieties are popular with home 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 2.5-9cm (1-3.5in) long, resembling orange leaves . Flowers are 2.5cm (1in) in diameter, are yellowish white with a light purple tinge on the margins. Flowers and fruit appear throughout the year but are most abundant from May to September.

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 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.

Image:Three cut limes.jpg

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 1800's, 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.).