Limes

Limes are small, round fruits with bright green skin. They are a kind of citrus fruit, just like lemons and oranges. Limes have a very sour taste that is strong and tangy. They are used in many foods and drinks around the world.

Types of Limes

There are many kinds of limes. Key limes are small and very sour, and they are famous for Key lime pie. Persian limes are bigger and are the ones you usually see at the grocery store. Kaffir limes have bumpy skin and are used in Asian cooking. All limes grow on small trees with sharp thorns.

Limes in Food and Drink

Limes add a fresh, tangy taste to many foods. In Mexico, people squeeze lime juice on tacos and fruit. Limes are used to make drinks like limeade and lime soda. Bakers use lime zest to flavor cakes and cookies. The juice can also keep cut fruits like apples from turning brown.

Fun Facts

• A sailor was once called a 'limey' because British sailors ate limes to stay healthy.
• Limes turn yellow if you leave them on the tree long enough.
• Brazil grows more limes than any other country.

Did You Know?

Limes and lemons are not the same fruit at different stages. They are actually two different types of trees that grow different fruits.