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Lime

lime

Limes are a great substitute for salt, because they contain almost no sodium. They are often used to accent the flavors of foods and beverages and are high in vitamin C.

Did You Know?

  • Limes have very little natural sugar in them. A whole lime contains about a gram of sugar.
  • You can use lime juice to cover sliced avocados, bananas, peaches, pears or apples to prevent oxidation (browning).
  • There are two general varieties of sour limes available, the Tahitian and the key lime.
  • Limes increase in weight after they are picked.
  • Limes are often picked when they are still immature and green for best flavor. If allowed to ripen, limes will turn yellow like lemons.
  • The introduction of limes to the United States began in the 16th century when Spanish explorers brought the West Indies lime to the Florida Keys.

Shopping, Preparing and Storing

  • Look for limes that are firm and heavy for their size and have smooth, shiny skins that are free from decay.
  • Refrigerated limes will stay fresh for about two weeks.
  • Lime juice can be frozen and stored for later use.

Cooking Tips

  • Limes can be substituted for lemons in a recipe. Use 2/3 to 3/4 cup of lime juice for 1 cup of lemon juice due to the higher acidity of limes.
  • Limes will produce more juice when they are warmer. Always juice limes when they are at room temperature or place them in a bowl of warm water for several minutes before juicing.

Lime Nutrition

Serving size: 1 lime, juiced

Calories: 11; Total Fat: 0 g; Saturated Fat: 0 g; Total Carbohydrates: 4 g; Protein: 0 g; Sodium: 1 mg

Download a flyer to print about Florida  limes [ pdf 1 MB ] .

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