
What are Mexican limes?
All limes pictured in this post are Mexican limes. Lime juice is an indispensable part of Mexican cuisine. It’s used in everything from beverages to dressing ceviche, soups, salads, fruit and vegetables, meats, in desserts and more.
What is the difference between a key lime and Mexican lime?
, lives in Mexico. They are both limes, but a Key lime is a specific variety of small limes that turn yellow when ripe. While there are key limes in Mexico, and they may even be referred to colloquially as Mexican limes, no limes are native to Mexico, they are from Southeast Asia.
What are Persian limes?
Persian lime ( Citrus × latifolia) a key lime × lemon hybrid, is the single most widely produced lime globally, with Mexico being the largest producer. Note that the tree species known in Britain as lime trees ( Tilia sp.), called linden in other dialects of English, are broadleaf temperate plants unrelated to the citrus fruits.
Is a lime a fruit or a vegetable?
Lime (fruit) A lime (from French lime, from Arabic līma, from Persian līmū, "lemon") is a hybrid citrus fruit, which is typically round, green in color, 3–6 centimetres (1.2–2.4 in) in diameter, and contains acidic juice vesicles.
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Are limes called lemons in Mexico?
In countries where limes are more common – like much of Latin America - they are called limones, while lemons are sometimes known as limas. This is the case in Mexico, at least. In other places, like the Dominican Republic, limón is used for both lemon and lime.
What are limes in Mexico?
The limón chico (also known as limoncito or limón de Colima) is what most people think of when they think of Mexican limes. They generally measure between 2.5 and 5 centimeters in diameter, are more round (rather than oval) with thin, bright green skin, greenish-yellow pulp, have small seeds, and a very acidic flavor.
Is there a Spanish word for lime?
The best translation for lime in Spanish would be limón verde (green lemon). For lemon, our preferred translation is limón amarillo (yellow lemon).
Why do Mexicans call limes limón?
The limón Persa is the actual wording used to signify what Americans call limes,” but Cano explains that almost all Mexicans drop the Persian part. “If you ask for a lima in Mexico, you will most likely be getting a sweet lime—what Americans call a Key lime, which we call lima dulce or limón criollo.”
Is a Mexican lime the same as a key lime?
What Are Key Limes? Key limes—also known as Mexican limes or West Indies limes—are small, spherical limes that grow in tropical and subtropical regions. They're light yellow (not green) when ripe and contain more seeds than regular limes.
What Mexicans call lemons?
limónHowever, for the most part in Mexico, a lime is referred to as a “limón” and lemon is called a “lima”. Unfortunately, there is no distinction between a larger lime and what in English we would call a “key lime”. They are all referred to as limón.
Is there lemon in Mexico?
Mexico grows three main types of lemons and limes: Mexican limes, Persian limes, and lemons. Small, green-yellowish in color and with a thin peel, the Mexican lime (Citrus aurantifolia) is the most popular variety consumed in Mexico.
Is there a Spanish word for lemon?
“The word for lemon is limón, as it is in most other varieties of Spanish.
Why do Latinos call limes lemons?
Professor of Hispanic Linguistics at Ohio State University, Terrel Morgan, says that from his experience limones are limes—small, very sour, green citrus fruits—whereas limas are the larger, slightly sweeter fruits that in English we call “lemons”.
Are Mexican limes different?
Here are some key differentiators: ① Key limes, also known as Mexican or West Indian limes, are more aromatic, with tarter and more floral juice. ② They are slightly yellow in color and contain more seeds. ③ Though less common in the U.S., they're more prevalent throughout the rest of the world.
Is a lime just a green lemon?
A green lemon is not a lime. In fact, these two citrus fruits may look the same but it's not the same kind of fruit in two different colors. In short, a lime is not simply a lemon that is still unripe and still green. A lemon's scientific name is "Citrus xlimon" while a lime's scientific name is "Citrus -latifolia".
Do limes grow in Mexico?
As of mid-2020, lime production in Mexico totaled 166,580 hectares planted, with the states of Veracruz, Colima, Michoacán, Oaxaca and Yucatán among the crop growing leaders.
Where do Mexican limes come from?
The majority of Mexican limes produced in Mexico come from the states of Guerrero, Colima, Oaxaca, Michoacán, Jalisco, Tabasco and Veracruz. There are a few varieties of Mexican limes that may range in size, and you’ll mostly see them labeled as key limes or West Indian limes in the United States.
What is the difference between Mexican limes and Persian limes?
However, these limes are less acidic than Mexican limes, and have a different bouquet and flavor profile.
What color limes are best for juice?
The skin should be soft, shiny and not too dimpled. Mexican limes that are heavy for their size will yield the most juice. The color of the skin should be brightly pigmented and green (yellow means they’re more mature and potentially over-ripe). Because the skin is thinner than that of Persian limes, you can gently squeeze the lime and if it gives a bit, it will be juicy. Stay away from fruit with large brown spots.
What are the citrus fruits used in Mexico?
Other citrus fruits used in Mexico and related to the lime include the lima and limón real (which is actually known as a common yellow lemon to Americans).
What is lime juice used for?
It’s used in everything from beverages to dressing ceviche, soups, salads, fruit and vegetables, meats, in desserts and more. And it’s not just the juice; lime zest also makes its way into plenty Mexican recipes as well.
What is a limon chico?
The limón chico (also known as limoncito or limón de Colima) is what most people think of when they think of Mexican limes. They generally measure between 2.5 and 5 centimeters in diameter, are more round (rather than oval) with thin, bright green skin, greenish-yellow pulp, have small seeds, and a very acidic flavor. As they age, the skin turns yellow and the flavor bitter when they’re over-ripened.
What is lime in Mexico?
In Mexico, the lime — known as a limón — is everywhere, served with nearly all food except coffee and dessert (and some desserts are made with them) and sold in even the smallest neighborhood stores. Here, limes are considered a necessity, and almost no kitchen is without them.
What is the Mexican lime used for?
Limes in the kitchen do double duty, used in both cooking and home remedies. This smallest member of the citrus family is taken internally and applied externally to treat a wide range of ailments.
What is a non-alcoholic drink made of lime?
A non-alcoholic drink called limonada preparada is made with lime juice and club soda, and then there is agua de limón, made with either the fruit juice or leaves.
How many lime trees are there in Mexico?
There are two million seedling lime trees in Colima alone, and Mexico raises limes for fresh fruit sale as well as for the exportation of juice and lime oil. Whether in beverages, soups, salads, main courses or desserts, lime adds a bright flavor and a Mexican touch to countless dishes. Here are some new recipes with lime and some from past columns.
Why is lime used in weight loss?
Her “secret” was drinking the juice of a lime in a glass of warm water first thing in the morning and last thing at night. The weight loss connection is likely due to lime’s high potassium content, effective in flushing toxic substances out of the body.
What is the Antigua Formulario Azteca?
Years ago, when I was still commuting by bus from Cholula to the university in Puebla, I bought a small paperback from a vendor who got on board hawking something called the Antigua Formulario Azteca, a collection of home cures using all manner of fruit, vegetables and herbs, from boiled celery compresses for varicose veins to radish peels to treat anemia. A fairly long section of this little gem, which I still have, is entitled “Lime Is the Best Medicinal Gift.”
Why do people eat lime?
Limes are also recommended as a digestive aid , and this is one reason why they are served with so many other foods. Even before they enter the mouth, their aroma begins to stimulate salivary glands, and the acid in the fruit does the rest to breakdown macro molecules of food.
What is the most widely produced lime?
Key lime ( Citrus × aurantiifolia = Citrus micrantha × Citrus medica) is also one of three most widely produced limes globally. Persian lime ( Citrus × latifolia) a key lime × lemon hybrid, is the single most widely produced lime globally, with Mexico being the largest producer. Note that the tree species known in Britain as lime trees ( Tilia ...
What is lime used for?
Lime soup is a traditional dish from the Mexican state of Yucatan. It is also used for its pickling properties in ceviche. Some guacamole recipes call for lime juice.
What is the flavor of guacamole?
Some guacamole recipes call for lime juice. The use of dried limes (called black lime or limoo) as a flavouring is typical of Persian cuisine, Iraqi cuisine, as well as in Eastern Arabian cuisine baharat (a spice mixture that is also called kabsa or kebsa ).
What are the fruits of citrus trees?
There are several species of citrus trees whose fruits are called limes, including the Key lime ( Citrus aurantiifolia ), Persian lime, kaffir lime, and desert lime. Limes are a rich source of vitamin C, are sour, and are often used to accent the flavours of foods and beverages. They are grown year-round. Plants with fruit called "limes" have diverse genetic origins; limes do not form a monophyletic group.
What is desert lime used for?
In Australia, desert lime is used for making marmalade . Lime is an ingredient in several highball cocktails, often based on gin, such as gin and tonic, the gimlet and the Rickey. Freshly squeezed lime juice is also considered a key ingredient in margaritas, although sometimes lemon juice is substituted.
How big is a lime?
A lime (from French lime, from Arabic līma, from Persian līmū, "lemon"), is a citrus fruit, which is typically round, green in color, 3–6 centimetres (1.2–2.4 in) in diameter , and contains acidic juice vesicles.
Can limes cause lyme disease?
Contact with lime peel or lime juice followed by exposure to ultraviolet light may lead to phytophotodermatitis, which is sometimes called margarita photodermatitis or lime disease (not to be confused with Lyme disease ). Bartenders handling limes and other citrus fruits while preparing cocktails may develop phytophotodermatitis.
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Product description
Cal (slaked lime) or, calcium hydroxide is used to processing corn for use in tortillas, tamales and pozole. We only sell food-grade calcium hydroxide. The Aztecs discovered that by soaking their dried corn in wood ash, the corn became easier to grind and also more digestible, thus, more nutritious. The same process is used today to "slake corn".
Important information
Statements regarding dietary supplements have not been evaluated by the FDA and are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease or health condition.
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What is soaking lime?
7. Slaking refers to the process of adding water to Calcium Oxide to produce Calcium Hydroxide or Calcium Hydrate. Adding water later to a hydrated bagged lime, (Type N or Type S), is called soaking, not slaking, as there is no longer a chemical reaction, only the addition of free water. Type S dolomitic limes (with up to 8% unreacted magnesium oxide), may benefit from longer soaking times. The oxides over long periods hydrate, limiting the “pitting and popping” that occurs when an oxide later hydrates in plaster or stucco.
What is hydrated lime?
4. Hydrated Lime refers to a form of Calcium Hydroxide that only contains molecular water, leaving a dry powder. Common names are “Hydrated Lime,” “Mason’s Lime,” or “Bag Lime” for building. Type N (normal) or Type S (special) limes are for use in cement-based mortars. They are a “high hydrate” or autoclave (pressure hydrate) form of hydrate. These products can be high-calcium, dolomitic, magnesian, or hydraulic. Type N and S limes require a combined oxide content of 95% without specification as to whether these are calcium or magnesium oxides.
What is limewash?
16. Limewash is a finish treatment consisting of diluting lime putty with water anywhere from 60-90% depending on the desired appearance . Limewash is highly alkaline (pH 12) until CO2 fully adsorbs and the limewash converts to calcium carbonate or calcium and magnesium carbonate and it becomes pH neutral. The high pH at the time of application has made it a useful historical antiseptic method for killing bacteria, algae and mold on buildings, barns and fences.
What is carbonation in lime mortar?
Carbonation commonly refers to “curing” or “setting” of lime mortar describes the chemical reaction between carbon dioxide (in the atmosphere or dissolved in rainwater) that reacts with the lime (calcium hydroxide) to create calcium carbonate. This reaction slowly moves the pH of lime from 12 to neutral depending on the rate of carbonation completed. A soft-burned, high-calcium limewash, carbonation may be complete in 36 hours. The magnesium hydroxide component of dolomitic lime in lime stucco or mortar kept from contact with the air may still be uncarbonated hundreds of years later.
What is lime putty?
5. Lime Putty is slaked lime, or calcium hydroxide, in paste form. Workable putty derives from slaking from oxide directly to a hydroxide paste.
What is CaCO3 in lime?
1. Calcium Carbonate [CaCO3] is the chemical description for pure or high-calcium lime products, normally found in nature (limestone, oyster shells). This material is sometimes sold crushed for use in lawn care and agricultural it is not suitable for mortar.
What is a soft burn lime?
9. Soft-burned lime refers to a calcine (fired) stone at low and consistent temperatures. This produces an oxide with high porosity and chemical reactivity.

Overview
For several decades, since at least the 1950s, Mexico has been the world's largest producer and exporter of limes, and especially of lime oil.
The two popular varieties of limes grown in Mexico are the Mexican or Key lime (Citrus aurantifolia) and the Persian lime (Citrus latifolia, simply called "lime" in the US); the former is of Indo–Malayan origin introduced in Mexico by the Spaniards after …
Geographical distribution
Most limes are grown in the warmer southwest (60% of total) and southeast of the country (40%). Key limes amount to about 54% of the total lime production, and are grown in the southwestern states of Jalisco, Colima, Michoacán, Guerrero, and Oaxaca. Persian limes, about 42% of the lime production, are grown in Jalisco, Colima, Hidalgo, in micro-climates in northern Veracruz, and in the southeastern states of Tlaxcala, Chiapas, Tabasco and the Yucatan. The most important lime …
Characteristics of limes grown in Mexico
The Key lime tree (also referred to in the vernacular as the “Mexican lime”) is a slender tree which grows to heights of 2.0–4.0 m (6.6–13.1 ft), bears scentless flowers (with white stems and yellow anthers) that mature into fruits, singly, in pairs or in larger clusters. The fruit, which is generally 25–51 mm (0.98–2.01 in) in diameter, as it ripens, changes its peel color from green to pale-yellow. The …
Production statistics and organized crime
The biggest focus of Mexican citrus production is on Key limes; in 2003, Mexico produced 768,000 tonnes of Key limes and 235,000 tonnes of Persian limes. For the 2010/11 season, Mexico forecasts that it will produce a total of 1.9 million tonnes of limes. The largest importers of lime oil are the US, UK, Japan, Ireland and Belgium.
In recent years, the Persian lime industry has taken off in Veracruz, dominated by large-scale pro…