The differences between lime and lemon: the benefits and properties. Lime color in the interior

Lime is very similar to unripe lemon. In most cases, it is green, but it also happens with yellowness. Lime and lemon contain large amounts of vitamin C, B and A. It is good to eat lemon and lime for colds, weakened immunity and problems with the lungs. Fruits are rarely consumed in pure form and most often they are added to tea or other dishes. What is more useful lime or lemon? What is the main difference between these fruits?

What is useful lemon?

Lemon has a lower cost than lime and is more popular in our country. This fruit has gained immense popularity, despite its sour taste. It is added to teas, salads and various side dishes. Sometimes lemons have a bitter taste and this can be explained by the fact that the fruit is not ripe enough. In order for a lemon to get into our country, it is often disrupted when it is still immature. These fruits contain less nutrients than those that ripen and are consumed in their homeland.

Lemon contains a large amount of vitamin C, as well as A, P, B, potassium and copper. However, it should be understood that those lemons that are supplied to us from warm countries contain a very small percentage of the vitamin. The longer a lemon is stored, the less nutrients it contains. Just as potassium enters a lemon - the fruit has a positive effect on the heart system and blood vessels.

Lemon juice is a very good bactericidal agent. That is why when cold and flu doctors recommend drinking tea with lemon. Sour fruit perfectly cleanses the body of toxins and normalizes the process of digestion. Despite the fact that lemon is very sour, it can reduce the acidity of the stomach. Lemon is good for the liver and can lower cholesterol. In ancient times, many female diseases were treated with lemon.

How is lime useful?

Despite all the beneficial properties of lemon, it can not be compared with lime. This fruit contains much more vitamin and nutrients. In addition to vitamin C, lime is rich in potassium, phosphorus, iron and thiamine. It contains vitamins of group B, which are necessary for the heart, blood vessels and the nervous system. Lime includes all the vitamins and elements that are necessary for women's health.

Lime is useful in diseases of the heart and blood vessels. Thanks great content pectin, lime perfectly cleanses the body of carcinogenic elements and normalizes the process of digestion. Just like lemon, lime is an excellent antiseptic. Fruit is effective not only for colds, but also for the treatment of warts, papillomas.

It is useful to eat lime in diseases of the nervous system. It calms and uplifting. With the help of lime, you can defeat not only depression and increased emotionality, but also more serious mental diseases.

Choosing between lime and lemon, you should be guided, first of all, by your taste. Lime is more expensive than lemon, and contains more nutrients. However, this does not reduce the beneficial properties of lemon, which for many years has been one of the most popular citrus fruits.

Lemon and lime are often confused, because they really are close relatives. They both contain ascorbic acid in large quantities and are often used in cooking. Both fruits belong to the genus of citrus rut ​​family and even their names are similar. But these are, perhaps, all their similarities, otherwise lime and lemon are completely different fruits, often non-interchangeable.

Lemon  is an evergreen tree 6-8 meters in height with the same fruits ovoid shape with narrowed ends. The most comfortable climate for its growth is subtropical. Homeland lemon called India, China and the tropical islands in the Pacific Ocean. There is evidence that even in the third century BC, the Chinese grew lemon as a cultivated plant.

LimeMost often, it is a shrub the size of one and a half to two meters, less often a tree up to five meters in height. Its fruits resemble in shape and color the fruits of lemon, and the homeland is considered the Malacca Peninsula.

Lime is more demanding on the quality of the soil than other citrus crops and grows mainly in the tropics, where the height above sea level does not exceed a thousand meters. In principle, lime can be grown in mid-latitudes, but the harvest will be very poor. Today, lime is rapidly gaining popularity among consumers, and the main global suppliers of this very useful fruit are Mexico, Cuba, India, Egypt and the Antilles.

Appearance

With all the variety of varieties of lemon and lime, the similarity between the fruits of these fruit trees is still there. They have the same shape and greenish-yellow color. However, lime, which can be found on store shelves, is absolutely green. The thing is that this fruit deteriorates quickly, and in order to extend the implementation period, it is removed from the bush in an unripe condition. Lime, compared to lemon, is even more juicy with a tender, granular and necessarily green flesh, while the flesh of the lemon is transparent, with a yellowish tinge.

Lemon

In addition, the size of the lemon prevails over the size of lime, although some varieties of lime are quite comparable with lemon.

  Lime

Taste qualities

Probably it would be difficult to find a more acidic fruit than lemon, if it were not for lime. Not only is lime more sour, it has a bitter tinge in its taste. Lime just like that, raw, without the addition of sugar, you do not eat, but its flavor delights everyone.

Storage conditions

Lime has a very thin and smooth skin that does not allow to store it even in the most ideal conditions for more than two weeks. All this time, the lime should be in the refrigerator at a constant temperature of +4 degrees, without any exposure to moisture.

Lemon is not so picky about storage conditions. In the refrigerator, he can lie without loss of presentation for about two months.

Benefit

Lemon, like lime, is widely distributed in medicine as a storehouse of vitamin C. And it contains more lime, but it should be borne in mind that during heat treatment 60 percent of the vitamin is lost.

These fruits are natural soothing, normalize the work of the heart and strengthen the blood vessels, prevent the development of atherosclerosis and treat diseases of the lungs, remove toxins from the body, strengthen the immune system.

In addition to vitamin C, lemon is famous for having a large amount of volatile production and vitamin P, and lime is rich in B vitamins and fruit acids.

Conclusions site

1. Lemon is more and yellower than lime.
2. The taste of lime is more sour than that of lemon, and also has a bitter shade.
3. The lime pulp is green, and the lemon pulp is transparent yellowish.
4. Lime is stored no more than two weeks, lemon - about two months.
5. Lime contains more ascorbic acid than lemon, but up to 60 percent of it is destroyed by heat treatment, and it is almost impossible to use lime in its raw form.

Beneficial features Lime and lemon - genetically similar plants - are for the most part similar. The debate about what is more useful - lime and lemon - has been going on for many years, and there is still no clear answer to this question.

Many of our compatriots often confuse a lemon with a lime, and in fact they are in fact completely different citrus fruits. A small green lime is different from a larger yellow lemon not only in color and size, but also more sour, with a bitter taste. These fruits are also stored in different ways: if a lemon can easily lie in the refrigerator for about two months, then the shelf life of tender lime is not more than two weeks. However, these fruits have a lot in common.

On this page you will get information about how lemon is useful and lime is useful. You will also learn how to choose lemon and llamas and how to use them.

From time immemorial, lemon has been used as a medicine, and nowadays it healing properties  received scientific confirmation. Hot water with lemon has long been used to treat the throat; use lemon is recommended for weight loss and cleansing the body. And due to the high content of citrates - esters and salts citric acid - lemon juice  prevents the formation of kidney stones.

Lime and Lemon Contains Vitamin C

Both citrus fruits are rich in vitamin C, which has an anti-inflammatory effect and prevents vascular fragility. Lemon contains more vitamin C than lime, although this difference is not significant.

Vitamin C supports the health of the connective tissues of the body, protects our cells from the harmful effects of free radicals, and also promotes the absorption of iron by the body. The high content of vitamin C in limes and lemons became for seafarers during the Great Geographical Discoveries a real salvation from a terrible disease called scurvy.

In addition to this vital vitamin, lemon and lime contain other valuable substances, such as limonoids, including limonin. This compound, concentrated mainly in the peel and seeds of citrus fruits, has scientifically proven anti-cancer properties. For example, a University of Arizona study showed that drinking black tea with lemon reduces the likelihood of skin cancer by 30%. In addition, limonin reduces the level of harmful cholesterol in the blood.

There are also differences between the composition of lemon and lime: for example, the first is famous for its high content of volatile production and vitamin P, and the second is richer in fruit acids and B vitamins.

How to choose and eat lemons and limes

When buying lemons, choose elastic yellow fruits. The greenish color of the skin indicates that the lemon is not ripe and too sour. But for lime greenish color is the norm. And for both citruses, the rule applies: the heavier the fruit, the fresher it is and the more juice in it.

Fresh lemon and lime are perfectly combined with fish and; their juice is added to sauces and salads; These fruits produce excellent refreshments. Since the skin of lemon and lime contains many nutrients, it is best to use the fruit completely, along with the peel.

Freshly squeezed citrus juice can be frozen and then added to cocktails and other drinks if necessary.

What you need to eat lemon and lime:

Cancer prevention; immunity strengthening; cleansing the body.

Lemons and limes are one of the most popular citrus fruits in cooking. They are used in almost all cuisines to give a delicate aroma and fresh sour taste to various dishes. Their  add to salads, pastries, fish and seafood.

In addition, these citrus fruits are not only an addition to the dishes, they are also the most famous tonic snack. They eat vodka with lemon, do not drink tequila without lime, they pour too much fat on their juice.

Is there a difference between lime and lemon?They are similar in taste, in shape and size. Many people think that lime is just an unripe lemon. However, they are different, although they are considered closest citrus relatives.

Lemons and Limes: What's the Difference

Besides the fact that the lemons are yellow and the limes are green, there are some differences between these citrus fruits.

• Lemons are sour and grow in the subtropics, while limes are slightly bitter and are born in the tropics. They are used in cooking in different ways, and in some cases they cannot replace each other at all.
• Lime fruits all year round, and lemon only once a year.

• Lemon can be stored for several months, and lime is not more than 2 weeks.

• Lemon pulp is transparent green, and lime is green and more saturated.Lemon is less sour than lime.If you make lime and lemon juice, then lime will have a sharper and slightly bitter taste.

The benefits of lemons and limes

Lemons and limes are famous for their high content of vitamin C, and there are more of them in lime. Ascorbic acid increases the body's resistance to infections, helps produce collagen and maintain skin elasticity. They also have vitamin P, which is essential for vascular health, pectic substances, iron, phosphorus, potassium, calcium, magnesium, and of course, essential oils, thanks to which fruits have an excellent smell and have excellent bactericidal properties. The beneficial properties of lemons and limes are very similar, but to say that they are twins, of course, impossible.

How are lemons useful?

Lemon pulp contains a large amount of organic acids, sugar (about 3.5%), pectic substances, carotene, vitamins C, E, PP, B. Of course,lemon is a high content of vitamin C. Experts claim that one lemon contains 33% of the daily norm for a person.

Also, the lemon has a rich mineral composition. It contains potassium, calcium, magnesium, sodium, zinc, copper, manganese, iron, fluorine, phosphorus, sulfur, chlorine, molybdenum, boron. Not every juice you find such a rich and useful set.

Currently, lemons are used for therapeutic and prophylactic purposes with beriberi and hypervitaminosis. They are also used in the treatment of the gastrointestinal tract, scurvy, gout, sore throat. Recommended lemon in violation of mineral metabolism, hypertension and urolithiasis.

Lemon improves digestion and whets the appetite. It is believed that he is able to reduce cholesterol in the blood. It also helps the body absorb calcium and iron better.

Drinking a glass of water with a slice of lemon every morning will help to remove toxins from the body. The process of losing weight will also accelerate, which is important for those who are on a diet. Only drink then it is necessary to do without sugar.

Lime Benefits

Lime is used for the same purpose as lemon. It is also considered an excellent supplier of vitamin C for humans. Only in comparison with lemon in lime more than five times more.

Differs lime by the presence of folic acid (vitamin M). It is absent from lemon. Folic acid is necessary for the rapid development of the body. Especially useful lime eat pregnant when developing and growing fetus.

Ascorbic acid, which is abundant in lime, is considered a good way to burn fat. Freshly squeezed lime juice should be diluted with a glass. warm water. You can drink two glasses a day.

Contraindications

There may also be individual intolerance (allergy) to citrus products.

Only fresh citruses

It should be remembered that during heat treatment a significant portion of vitamin C is lost. So there is more benefit if you use fresh lemons and limes.

To get the maximum benefit, they need to be consumed immediately. Cut lemon quickly loses its beneficial properties.

How to choose lemons and limes

If you are going to immediately use a lemon, and not to keep it in the refrigerator, then choose a ripe and fresh fruit. Its skin should be polished and shiny, free from damage and mold. It should touch the lemon - it should not be soft, as it may be overripe. To the touch good lemon  hard.

Also pay attention to whether the peel of a lemon is nodular or smooth. It is believed that the thinner and smooth skin - the fruits of the first harvest. Such lemons are considered more beneficial. Fruit with a rough surface usually has a thicker skin.

Good lime fruit should be dense, resilient, evenly colored, with a strong shiny skin.If lime is needed for squeezing the juice, choose a large variety, among which are Persian (Tahitian) and Florida.

Cooking Lemons and Limes

Since lemon is not an independent dish, it is used more often as an aromatic and tonic additive to other products. Freshly squeezed juice is poured over fish and vegetable salads. Put in hot fatty dishes, served with kebabs.

Lime - citrus fruit is from India, a close relative of the lemon. Limeland is recognized as the Malay Peninsula. Industrial culture first appeared on the island of Montserrat (Lesser Antilles) in the 70s of the 20th century. Despite the similarity with lemon, lime is indispensable in some cocktails and salads. In many ways, this green citrus is more useful than lemon.

The name "little lemon" is not quite right. Lime requires a tropical climate, unlike a subtropical lemon. The most popular lime varieties are “Persian” and “Florida”, in which there are practically no seeds at all, and the fruits are large and very sour. Fresh lime should be different strength and smooth shiny skin yellowish-green. It has a juicy, tender and clearly granulated flesh, bitter to the taste.

The main suppliers of lime to the international market are Mexico, Egypt, India, Cuba, and the Antilles. Lime is usually grown at an altitude of about 1000 meters in tropical areas. It can grow on poor stony or sandy soils, so experts recognize this plant as undemanding. But lime is still more sensitive to adverse conditions than other citrus crops.

Lime - useful properties

Lime is rich in vitamins C, A, B, calcium, iron, phosphorus, pectin and other elements. This citrus is recommended as a prophylactic against vascular and heart diseases. Lime helps to strengthen the walls of blood vessels, due to the ascorbic acid and potassium contained in it. This fruit protects the teeth from harmful deposits and caries, helps prevent gums from bleeding, due to the content of phosphorus and calcium. Pectin contributes to the removal of toxic substances from the body.

Essential oils contained in lime, normalize digestion and increase appetite. Lime juice is used as an antiviral and antiseptic, as well as for wound healing. In medicine, used to treat herpes, fever, colds and other diseases. Lime juice is also used in cosmetology, adding it to creams and lotions. These tools activate the cells and are wrinkle prevention. In addition, lime calms the nervous system and helps to raise the mood, is a good tranquilizer.

Contraindications: Lime contributes to the active development of gastric juice, which is not recommended for people with high acidity, as well as for people suffering from ulcers. A controversial issue is the use of lime for teeth. The acids contained in it can cause the destruction of the tooth enamel, so after eating this citrus, you must rinse your mouth with water. The main thing is not to forget that any product is useful for your body, if it is used in moderation.

Lime - Calorie

Calorie Lyme per 100 g is 16 kcal.

Lime - use in cooking

The main value of lime is its unique flavor and sour taste. Due to these qualities, it is an indispensable ingredient used in many dishes of Mexico, Thailand, Iran, Vietnam. Lime, like lemon, promotes the absorption of iron and is very good in combination with meat. In salads, lime is in harmony with pear, apple, peach and apricot. During heat treatment, lime loses a lot of vitamin C.

For flavoring desserts, as well as various drinks, use juice, oil and zest of citrus. Zest is also used to decorate dishes and cocktails. The composition of many spice mixtures from Iran includes dried leaves and fruits of this plant. In India, whole fruits are pickled and pickled. In addition to cooking, lime is used in the production of perfumes and aromatherapy.

Lime recipes examples

Recipe 1: Lime Fruit Soup

How nice on a beautiful summer day to try a sweet cold soup instead of the usual and boring dishes. On a cold winter day you will enjoy this light dish with a taste of summer. This sweet and sour refreshing soup will surely please you and your household, will pleasantly surprise everyone. The recipe is unusual, but very tasty. Cooking this soup will take a minimum of time, thanks to which all the ingredients will retain all their useful vitamins and trace elements. Treat your loved ones with a simple and healthy treat with an unusual and amazing taste.

Ingredients:  Lime (4 pcs.), gelatin (10g), Physalis (50g), coconut (80g), peach (1pc), mango juice (350ml), granulated sugar (50g), any fruit (300g).

Cooking method

Grate lime zest of lime. Cut two limes into slices along with zest. Squeeze the juice out of two fruits. Soak the gelatin. Mix the zest, sugar, lime juice and mango and rub through a sieve. On a low heat dissolve the gelatin, mix it with the juice. Add Physalis to this mass. Then add the lime slices and fill the dishes, place in the refrigerator for about 3 hours. Cut the peach and other fruits into slices, pour the soup into plates, add the fruit in portions. Garnish with coconut flakes and peach pieces. Done, bon appetit!

Recipe 2: Chicken with Lime

Lime in this dish - just an additive. But what! He is able to completely change his taste. Take the chicken legs or thighs, pickling them and baking in lime juice will be right in the oven. Incredible aroma, juicy and tasty meat.

Ingredients: potatoes (750g), garlic (3 cloves), lime (3 pcs), shallots (100g), rosemary sprigs (4 pcs), chicken thigh (4 pcs), salt, pepper, ground paprika (1 tsp .), olive oil (6 tbsp.).

Cooking method

Wash the potatoes and boil them. Peel the onions. Squeeze the juice of two limes, cut the garlic into slices. Wash and dry the sprigs of rosemary. Rub meat with salt and spices. Fry the bird from all sides to 3 tbsp. heated oil. Put it in the form in which you will bake, sprinkle with paprika. Preheat the oven (200 degrees).

Slice the potatoes. Pour the remaining oil into the pan. Then fry onion, potatoes, rosemary and garlic for 5 minutes. Put the vegetables with rosemary around the chicken and pour the lime juice. Bake for about half an hour, turning the meat periodically. Wash the remaining fruits, cut into slices and add to vegetables 5 minutes before the dish is ready.

Recipe 3: Green radish salad with lime

Radish has a harsh taste, which can be softened only with dressing. In this case, lime with olive oil will give wonderful sourness, not only soften the taste of radishes, but also make the dish more exotic.

Ingredients:  green salad (6 pieces), coriander (20g) radishes (1 bunch), sugar (pinch), olive oil (5 tbsp), lime (2 pieces).

Cooking method

Salad cut in half. Arrange in a salad bowl or on a large platter. Cut radish into slices. From two quarters of lime with a sharp knife, separate the pulp and chop it. Squeeze the juice from the remaining quarters, mix it with pulp and chopped radish. Add olive oil, coriander, sugar and mix everything with the dressing. Season and serve immediately. Enjoy your meal!

Recipe 4: Raspberry Lemonade with Lime

Just diluting the juice concentrate is boring. It is much more interesting if there are berries and pieces of fruit in the original dessert.

Ingredients:  Raspberry lemonade concentrate (350ml), lime juice (1 tsp), water (3 cups), water with gas (350 ml), fresh raspberries (1 glass), ice (1 glass), fresh mint (for decoration).

Cooking method

Mix raspberry lemonade, lime juice and water in a large jar. Add soda and ice. Pour lemonade into glasses, garnish with fresh raspberries and mint leaves.

Dressing lime or lemon juice with olive oil successfully emphasizes the taste of salads with greens or cheese. For example, chop tomatoes, cucumbers, chop arugula, chop the olives (into 3 parts into rings), and mix these ingredients. Squeeze half the lime into this salad, season with olive oil and season to taste. Mix the feta cheese with finely chopped dill, form small balls of it and arrange in portions with plates and salad. The dish is ready to serve. Enjoy your meal!