Lime

The term Lime is, in fact, ambiguous in the context of fruits, referring to a number of different hybrids and citrus with typically round green-yellowish fruits, from 3 to 6 cm diameter, usually containing a sour pulp, frequently associated to Lemon.

The commercialized limes are usually the smallest and yellowest lime Key (Citrus x aurantifolia) and the biggest and greenest Persia lime (Citrus x latifolia). The term “Key lime” is, in fact, American, since the fruit originally known as “lime”, in English, was Citrus aurantifolia. In current use, the term “lime” can mean a portion of this fruit, typically crushed including the peel, or only its sour juice.

The lime, and particularly its juice, is used in drinks, such as lemonade soda (similar to lemonade). The list of alcoholic drinks prepared with lime includes cocktails such as Margarita (drink), Mojito and Cuba Libre, as well as many drinks that can be decorated with a thin slice of the fruit or a spiral strip of its peel (twist). An usual way of consuming tequila is in shots with slices of lime and salt. In Mexico, as well as in other countries, beer is often served with lime. Lime juice is also used in commercial refrigerants.