Lime (from Arabic and French
lim) is a term referring to a number of different citrus fruits, both species
and hybrids, which are typically round, green to yellow in color, 3 to 6 cm
in diameter, and containing sour and acidic pulp. Limes are a good
source of vitamin C.
Limes
are often used to accent the flavors of foods and beverages. Limes are grown
all year round and are usually smaller and less sour than lemons.
Limes
were first grown on a large scale in southern Iraq and Persia, and the fruit
was first grown commercially in what is today southern Iraq (Babylonia).
In
cooking, lime is valued both for the acidity of its juice and the floral aroma
of its zest. It is a very common ingredient in authentic Mexican, Vietnamese
and Thai dishes. It is also used for its pickling properties in ceviche. The
use of dried limes (called black lime or loomi)
as a flavoring is typical of Persian cuisine and Iraqi cuisine, as well as in Gulf
style beharat (a spice mixture
that is also called kabsa or kebsa). Lime is an essential
ingredient of any cuisine from India, and many varieties of pickles are made,
e.g. sweetened lime pickle, salted pickle, and lime chutney.
Lime
leaves are also an herb in South, East, and Southeast Asia. Lime is frequently
used to add flavor to cold and hot drinks, including water, tonic and other
cocktails.
To prevent scurvy during the
19th century, British sailors were issued a daily allowance of citrus, such as lemon,
and later switched to lime, which was not as effective at preventing scurvy but
was easier to obtain on Britain's Caribbean colonies. It was later discovered
that the greater effectiveness of lemons derived from the 4 - fold higher
quantities of vitamin C lemon juice contains compared to the West Indian limes
used by the British. This was initially a closely guarded military secret, as
scurvy was a common enemy of various nation's navies, and being able to be at
sea for lengthy periods without contracting scurvy was a huge military benefit.
The British sailor acquired the nickname of being a Limey because of their usage of limes.
Lime juice is the juice of limes (citrus). It may be squeezed from fresh limes, or
purchased in bottles in both unsweetened and sweetened varieties. Lime juice is
used to make limeade, and as an ingredient (typically as sour mix) in many cocktails.
Lime extracts and essential
oils are frequently used in perfumes, cleaning products, and aromatherapy.
In India, the lime is used in
Tantra for removing evil spirits. It is also combined with Indian chillies to
make a protective charm to repel the evil eye. Furthermore, it was believed
that hanging limes over sick people cured them of the illness by repelling evil
spirits lurking inside the body.
I love guacamole dip. What is your favorite dip? Leave a comment, love hearing from y'all.
Debo’s Guacamole Dip
Copyright
2012, Debo, Christine’s Pantry. All rights reserved.
Ingredients:
5
avocados, peeled, mashed, toss with lime juice
1/3
cup cilantro
1
medium onion, chopped
1
(10 oz) dice tomatoes with chilies
2
1/2 tablespoons lime juice
1/2
teaspoon pepper
pinch
salt
Directions:
In
bowl, mash avocados, lime juice and onions, mix well. Stir in salt, pepper,
cilantro and tomatoes with chilies. Enjoy!
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one of my favorites! Love this!
ReplyDeleteCan't go wrong with guacamole dip. I just love the stuff.
ReplyDeleteYummy Christine! I think I should invest in lots of lime.
ReplyDeleteDefinitely one of my favorites. Yum!
ReplyDeleteThat guac is a lovely color. And lime definitely perks it up and gives it some liveliness.
ReplyDeleteWe love guacamole! I didn't know much about lime - thanks for educating us!
ReplyDelete