Lime
Pagès has chosen to associate Lime with some of its creations. Its acidulous taste blends perfectly with other plants and allows you to create original drinks.
Lime, a citrus fruit with tangy notes that can be enjoyed all year round
Origins of lime
If the dates are imprecise, it is believed that Lime has been known to man since Western Antiquity. Botanical descriptions of this citrus fruit are late: the first writings on Gallet lime (Citrus aurantiifolia) can be found in 1913 and those on Persian lime in 1951. It was agreed that the Lime tree originated in Southeast Asia. Its genetic proximity to Combava, Citron andMacroptera suggests that it can be found in the Philippines. Some claimed to have found it in India and Malaysia. Its spread in the rest of the world is also generally unknown. It is believed that Lime was spread in the Mediterranean basin by the Crusaders.
Lime is nowadays a very popular citrus fruit all over the world. It is used for its medicinal properties and for its characteristic taste, which goes perfectly with culinary dishes and drinks. Mexico is the world's leading producer of Lime.
Characteristics of lime
Name: Citrus litifola and Citrus aurantiifolia
Family: Rutaceae
Species: Citrus fruit
Fruit of the Limetree, the Lime is a citrus fruit that is also called "lime" or "acid lime".
It is harvested at maturity almost all year round. Medium green in colour, the Lime's skin is thick and slightly textured. It contains a pulp with green reflections, seedless. There are several species of lime, the two best known are "Citrus litifola" and "Citrus aurantiifolia". Other types of lime include "Mediterranean lime" (or "Palestinian lime"), "Tunisian lime", "Rangpour lime", "southern lime", etc.
Uses of lime
Lime essential oil is used for therapeutic purposes or in perfumery and cosmetics. It is said to allow you to recharge your batteries and refocus on vital energies. Its fresh and invigorating scent is much appreciated. Lime can be found in the composition of facial creams but also deodorants, its purifying action being perfectly adapted to this use.
Lime is also used in cooking. The Western people use it a lot to enhance sweet dishes (pies, ice creams and sorbets, marmalades). Lime is also present in salty cuisine. It is used to season and give more taste to preparations. It goes well with fish and adds a considerable note of pep. Lime, for example, is one of the essential ingredients of the famous ceviche dish, a recipe originating from South America in which various fish or seafood cooked in a marinade and consumed cold are found.
Lime is a key ingredient in tropical cocktails such as the Ti-punch from the West Indies, the Mexican Mojito, the Margarita or the Caipirinha from Brazil. It also goes very well with beer.
Benefits of lime
The Lime is, just like the Lemon, a carrier of many virtues. It is a natural skin care product that helps the skin to stay soft and shiny. It can also prevent skin infections and reduce body odours.
It is said that Lime helps to digest.
Lime is known for its antioxidant action. It eliminates toxins from the body and visibly makes you feel better. It is even given the ability to disinfect and heal surface wounds.
Finally, Lime is used for weight loss. Its low caloric intake and high nutritional values make its juice an ideal slimming ally.
