Definition of Limes

The lime is a citrus fruit related to other fruits such as the lemon, orange and kumquat. These fruits all grow on an evergreen tree from the Rue family. The lime is the smallest of the citrus family.

Origin

• Limes originally come from Southeast Asia and India and now grow in Italy, Spain, Mexico and parts of the United States.

Types

• The three types of limes include the Tahitian lime, the Mexican lime and the key lime.

Nutrition

• Limes are acidic fruits that contain Vitamin C and about 20 calories per medium-sized fruit.

Uses

• Limes are used frequently in cooking of Mexican-, Indian- and Latin-style dishes. The lime peel is also used to for additional flavor.

Fun Fact

• English sailors in the 18th century would eat one lime daily to prevent scurvy, prompting the nickname "limey." Vitamin C was later found to be the preventative nutrient.