Lime is believed to have originated in northern India and adjoining parts of Myanmar, or in northern Malaysia . The lime is now cultivated throughout the tropics and in warm subtropical areas. The sour limes were probably one of the first citrus fruits to be carried from the east by the crusaders.
Are limes native to Mexico?
Mexican Lime
The Lime is not native to Mexico . Europeans took Lemons and Limes to North and South America. Researchers have found that the Mexican Lime, Citrus aurantifolia, is a direct hybrid between Citrus medica and Citrus micrantha. Citrus aurantifolia is the most popular Lime species in Mexico.
When did limes come to America?
Arabs brought Key limes through North Africa and into Europe. Later, explorers from Spain and Portugal brought the fruit to America in the early 1500s where it became a commercial commodity by the late 1800s.
Are limes from Mexico Key limes?
Key limes—also known as Mexican limes or West Indies limes—are small, spherical limes that grow in tropical and subtropical regions. They’re light yellow (not green) when ripe and contain more seeds than regular limes.
Are limes native to the Caribbean?
The citrus industry in the Caribbean is a major one in the Caribbean. Citrus fruits consists of oranges, grapefruit, tangerines, limes, and lemons. The Caribbean countries which export citrus fruit are Belize, Jamaica, Puerto Rico, Guadeloupe, Dominica, Martinique & Trinidad and Tobago.
Why do Mexicans eat lime?
Mexican limes are widely used in the cuisine and offer a bright, acidic touch to food and beverages . ... Lime juice is an indispensable part of Mexican cuisine. It’s used in everything from beverages to dressing ceviche, soups, salads, fruit and vegetables, meats, in desserts and more.
Are Mexican limes good for you?
Limes are high in vitamin C and antioxidants — both of which may offer health benefits. Eating limes or drinking the juice may improve immunity, reduce heart disease risk factors, prevent kidney stones, aid iron absorption, and promote healthy skin.
Can I eat lime peel?
Yes , you can eat the rind of a lime. The outer layer can be used for zesting to add flavor to water and beverages, dressings, marinades, and baked goods.
Are limes just baby lemons?
Limes are picked when they are fully grown, but still green and unripe. ... Because of this, some people believe (erroneously) that Limes are just unripe Lemons . Whereas, truth to tell, even the Lemons that we buy are unripe Lemons. Limes have more sugar and citric acid than do lemons.
Do key limes taste like regular limes?
The limes grown in the Florida Keys tend to be small with a distinctive lime flavor that is tart , but not too acidic with a very distinct aroma. ... “Sampled plain, the Key lime juice tasted slightly less tart and bracing than its Persian counterpart,” they wrote.
What’s the difference between lime and key lime?
One of the most noticeable differences between regular limes key limes is the size and color of the limes . More often than not, a key lime is smaller and more yellow than a regular lime. When sliced in half, you’ll also notice that the key lime has a thinner skin and contains more seeds.
What do you do with Mexican limes?
The Mexican lime, because of its special bouquet and unique flavor, is ideal for serving in half as a garnish and flavoring for fish and meats , for adding zest to cold drinks, and for making limeade.
Are limes man made?
Not one of them is naturally occurring. They’ re all hybrids . ... Lemons are a hybrid of bitter orange and citron. Limes are a strange bunch, and consist of many kinds of hybrids.
Why are limes called limes?
A lime (from French lime, from Arabic līma, from Persian līmū, “lemon”), is a citrus fruit, which is typically round, green in color, 3–6 centimetres (1.2–2.4 in) in diameter, and contains acidic juice vesicles .
Is lime a lemon?
Limes vs Lemons. Limes and lemons are closely related but they do have different genetics and grow up in different environments. Lemons are traditionally grown in moderate climates whereas limes are found primarily in subtropical and tropical environments. They are similar in taste and scent, however.
