Lime (for juice and decoration)

Description

Lime is a small fruit with an intensely green skin and juicy, light green flesh that provides a distinctly sour, refreshing taste with a hint of bitterness and a strong aroma of oils from the peel. Its fresh scent and attractive, shiny color make it great both as an ingredient in juice and as a decoration for dishes and drinks. Nutritionally, lime provides few calories but is rich in vitamin C, antioxidants, and small amounts of potassium and flavonoids, which support immunity, digestion, and skin health, as well as facilitate iron absorption. In the kitchen, it is indispensable in cocktails, marinades, dressings, ceviche, desserts, and as a fresh garnish; the zest adds an intense aroma. Store whole limes in the refrigerator in the vegetable drawer to keep them fresh for several weeks; wrap cut limes in plastic wrap or keep them in an airtight container, and juice and zest can be frozen.