Lime, a small green citrus fruit packed with a wonderful tangy flavor and nutrition. One Raw lime weighing around 67 g provides just 20 calories.

In addition to their excellent taste, limes are a great source of vitamin C, dietary fiber, and other essential nutrients. These nutrients are essential for overall health and wellness.

In this article, we'll explore the nutritional value, health benefits, uses in cooking, selecting, and storing lime, and much more.

Overview of Fruit Lime, Raw

Lime, scientifically known as citrus aurantifolia, is a small, round green citrus fruit used widely in various cuisines. It is believed to have originated in Southeast Asia and spread throughout the world due to its rich nutritional profile and flavor. Like other citrus fruits, limes are loaded with vitamin C, antioxidants, and dietary fibers, making them an excellent addition to a healthy and balanced diet. They have a tangy, sour taste and can be eaten raw or used as a flavoring agent in many dishes.

Nutritional Value of Fruit Lime, Raw

Lime is a nutritional powerhouse and provides an extensive range of essential nutrients to the human body. A single Raw lime of around 67 g provides the following nutrients: 1. Calories: 20 2. Total fat: 0.1 g 3. Sodium: 2 mg 4. Total Carbohydrate: 7 g 5. Dietary Fiber: 1.9 g 6. Sugar: 1.1 g 7. Protein: 0.5 g 8. Vitamin C: 32% of daily value 9. Vitamin B6: 3% of daily value 10. Calcium: 2% of daily value 11. Iron: 1% of daily value Limes are low in calories and high in dietary fiber, making them an excellent choice for weight loss and digestive health. They are also packed with vitamin C, which boosts immunity and promotes collagen production for healthy skin, hair, and nails. In addition, limes contain small amounts of other essential nutrients like vitamin B6, calcium, and iron that help maintain overall health and wellness.

Health Benefits of Fruit Lime, Raw

Limes offer a wide range of health benefits due to their rich nutritional profile and antioxidant content. Some of the key health benefits of consuming lime on a regular basis are: 1. Boosts immunity 2. Promotes weight loss 3. Aids digestion 4. Improves heart health 5. Fights cancer 6. Relieves stress and anxiety 7. Enhances skin, hair, and nail health The Antioxidants in limes help combat free radicals that can damage healthy cells and cause chronic diseases. Their high vitamin C content strengthens the immune system and helps the body fight off infections and illnesses. The dietary fiber in limes promotes digestive health and aids weight loss by keeping you full for longer. In addition, limes may help lower blood pressure and cholesterol levels, reducing the risk of heart diseases. Furthermore, some studies suggest that the compounds in limes may possess anti-cancer properties, making them a potential cancer-fighting food.

Uses of Fruit Lime, Raw in Cooking

Limes are a versatile fruit used in cooking and as a flavoring agent in various dishes. Some of the popular uses of lime in cooking are: 1. Squeezed over salads or grilled meats 2. Used in marinades for fish or chicken dishes 3. Added to cocktails and mocktails 4. Used as a key ingredient in recipes like guacamole, ceviche, and salsa 5. Used as a garnish for soups, stews, and curries The tangy, sour taste of limes makes them a popular choice for flavoring various dishes. They are widely used in Mexican, Thai, and Indian cuisines and add a zesty kick to many recipes. The juice of limes can be used to tenderize meat, enhance flavor, and add acidity to recipes. Lime zest can also be used to add depth to recipes, and the flowers can be used to make tea or flavors for syrups.

How to Select and Store Fruit Lime, Raw

When selecting limes, look for fruits that are firm, heavy, and smooth with bright, shiny green skin. Avoid limes with soft spots, bruises, or wrinkled skin, as they may be overripe or damaged. Organic limes tend to have less pesticide residues and are a more sustainable option. Limes can be stored at room temperature or in the refrigerator, depending on how soon you plan to use them. At room temperature, limes can last up to a week, while in the refrigerator, they can last up to a month. Always store limes in a dry, cool, and dark place to prevent spoilage.

Difference between Lime and Lemon

While both lime and lemon are citrus fruits with a sour taste, they differ in several ways: 1. Appearance: Limes are small, round, and green, while lemons are large, oval-shaped, and yellow. 2. Taste: Limes have a sharper, more acidic taste with a slight bitterness, while lemons are sweeter with a more pronounced acidity. 3. Nutrition: Limes contain less sugar and more vitamin C than lemons. 4. Culinary Uses: Limes are commonly used in Mexican, Indian, and Thai cuisines, while lemons are used in Western cuisine. While both lime and lemon are versatile citrus fruits used in cooking and flavoring agent, each has a unique taste and nutritional profile that affects their culinary uses.

Facts about Fruit Lime, Raw

Limes have several interesting facts associated with them. Some of the fascinating facts about lime are: 1. Limes were first grown in Southeast Asia around 4000 years ago. 2. Limes are a hybrid between sour orange and citron. 3. The leaves of the lime tree are used to make tea in some parts of the world. 4. Limes were once used as a natural remedy for scurvy.

Possible Side Effects of Consuming Fruit Lime, Raw

While limes are generally safe to consume, some people may experience side effects from consuming them in excess. Some possible side effects are: 1. Acidity: Limes are very acidic, and consuming them in excess can lead to acid reflux or heartburn in some people. 2. Skin sensitivity: The juice of limes contains psoralen, a compound that increases skin sensitivity to sunlight. 3. Allergy: Some people may develop an allergic reaction to limes, leading to symptoms like hives, itching, or swelling. If you experience any of these symptoms after consuming limes, it is best to avoid consuming them or limit their intake.

Varieties of Fruit Lime, Raw

There are many different varieties of lime grown around the world, each with its unique taste and appearance. Some of the popular varieties of lime are: 1. Key lime: Small, acidic limes with a yellow-green color and a thinner skin than other limes. 2. Persian lime: Large, less acidic green limes with a thick, bumpy skin. 3. Kaffir lime: Used in Asian cuisine, kaffir limes have a bumpy, deep green skin and a distinct flavor. 4. Finger lime: Also known as caviar lime, finger limes are small and oblong with a flesh filled with tiny pearls of juice.

Interesting Recipes using Fruit Lime, Raw

Limes are a delicious and versatile fruit used in many recipes around the world. Here are some of the interesting recipes using limes that you can try at home: 1. Lime and Chili Fish Tacos 2. Watermelon Lime Agua Fresca 3. Key Lime Pie 4. Ceviche with Lime and Avocado 5. Coconut-Lime Mojito 6. Grilled Lime and Herb Shrimp