Lime – April Featured Ingredient

Lime – April Featured Ingredient

Lime – April Featured Ingredient…Smaller than lemons with bright green, mostly smooth skin and a highly aromatic smell of citrus. Limes are used in Mexican, Latin-American, Indian and Southeast Asian cooking.

Three main types of limes are available:

Mexican – Smaller than Tahitian, very aromatic, bright green skin

Tahitian – Largest variety, most acidic flavor

Key Lime – Paler in skin color, high juice content and a strong flavor

Limes are high in Vitamin C like lemons. No matter where you live, limes are available year round. When choosing limes, pick those which are unblemished, firm to the touch and feel heavy in your hand. These limes are the juiciest. However, when choosing limes for their zest, pick fruits that are unwaxed, if possible. Otherwise scrub your limes really well before zesting.

To get the maximum amount of juice, make sure your fruit is at room temperature. Roll them back and forth under your palm a couple times. Rolling limes helps to break down the flesh fibers. You’ll notice how soft the fruit becomes. I’ve never tried this but I’ve read to microwave your limes for 30 seconds, depending on the size of the fruit being used. Limes should be at room temperature for this method as it helps to extract more juice.

Store your limes in a perforated bag in the refrigerator up to 2 weeks depending on freshness. They will last up to 1 week at room temperature in a fruit bowl. If you have leftover lime that has been cut, wrap in plastic wrap in refrigerator up to 4 days. Lime juice can be bought bottled but fresh is best.

When cooking with Lime – April Featured Ingredient consider adding this flavorful citrus to marinades for raw fish and meats like my Steak Tacos Marinade or my Lime Curry Chicken Thighs.  Add to vegetables like grilled corn on the cob or try Spicy Red Cabbage Slaw for an added fresh flavor. How about the added brightness of lime juice in curries and salsas like my Charred Tomato Jalapeno Salsa. Key Lime Pie is delicious with its buttery graham cracker crust and the sweet, tart taste of lime. If you’re in need of some social lubrication, stir up a few cocktails like Mojitos, Margaritas or the Classic Moscow Mule. Add lime juice to flavor your water instead of lemon. Delicious!

With Spring around the corner, April is the month to celebrate the flavor of lime. Whenever and wherever you use lemon, grab a lime instead. This citrus fruit will surprise you at every squeeze. Tell me about your favorite uses for Lime.

Enjoy!