Citrus fruit is unlikely to be the first thing that comes to mind when you think about the month of February or other winter months. Unless you recently saw Little Women and are still wondering what Amy’s pickled limes were all about. (I’m still not sure myself.)
Winter is a fabulous time to explore new citrus fruits or new ways to use citrus because I think it gives your food the zest it needs to be exciting and flavorful and punchy in just the right ways.
So, this month, our ingredient in the limelight (hehe) is the humble lime.
Tell me more about limes:
Limes are a citrus fruit that are round and green in color and acidic. There are several different kinds of limes (Key lime- the little ones, Persian lime, kaffir lime), but today, I’ll just focus on the ol’ grocery store lime (often grown in Mexico).
Where can I buy limes:
You can buy limes wherever you shop for groceries, so no need to look too far from them. Limes should be free of browning and have a very slight give when you squeeze them. You can also grow them in you live in a warmer climate, so check and see!
How do I store limes:
Limes should be stored in room temperature. I like to keep mine in a pretty fruit bowl on the countertop so I remember to use them. Once I slice into one, I store it in the fridge in a container or bee’s wrap.
How do I eat, drink and cook with limes:
From the zest to the juice, limes have a lot to offer to give your favorite recipes some zip. On a basic level, I like to squeeze them into my water, mix with hot water for a refreshing tea or throw the zest into dips, sauces and salads.
Here are some recipes with lime to try:
- Key lime spritzer or ginger lime spritzer
- Cardamom limeade
- Add lime zest to your favorite southwestern dip or add zest and juice to sour cream for a quick lime crema
- Strawberry lime scones
- Marinate your meat in it
- This jalapeno lime chicken soup will cure what ails you
- Finish off your favorite tacos with a squeeze of lime
- Make homemade lime curd
- Key lime pie or coconut lime bars sounds delish