Limes are citrus fruits grown mainly in tropical areas. The bright green fruit received its name when it was used to prevent scurvy in the British Navy. The lime was nicknamed "limey" after a colloquial term for British citizens, according to Encyclopedia.com.
Significance
According to the United States Department of Agriculture's National Nutrient Database, 1 oz. of raw lime juice has 8 calories; 1 oz. of canned or bottled lime juice contains 6 calories. The raw and processed lime juices are similar in most of their nutrient values, with the exception of the amount of ascorbic acid in each. One ounce of raw lime juice has 9.2 mg of ascorbic acid. The same amount of processed lime juice contains 2.0 mg of ascorbic acid.
Expert Insight
In a "Journal of Endourology" study of the quantitative analysis of citric acid of fruit juices, researchers concluded that lemon and lime juice contain more citric acid than either grapefruit or orange juice.
Uses
Beyond the use of lime juice as a beverage or beverage additive, the Harvard School of Public Health advocates the use of lime juice as the basis of food marinades, to add flavor to dishes and reduce the need for salt in food for flavor.
References
- Encyclopedia.com: Lime
- USDA National Nutrient Database: Lime Juice, Raw
- "Journal of Endourology: Quantitative Assessment of Citric Acid in Lemon Juice, Lime Juice and Commercially Available Fruit Juice Products
- USDA: National Nutrient Database: Lime Juice, Canned or Bottled, Unsweetened
- Harvard School of Public Health: Salt Substitutes
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