Super source
Fibre
2.80 g · 10% DV target
A sharp, aromatic citrus fruit prized for its acidic juice and fragrant zest, the lime serves as a foundational culinary acidulant while providing a concentrated source of protective antioxidants.
Limes are historically established as a treatment for scurvy due to their ascorbic acid (vitamin C) content, a discovery that led to the British Navy routinely adding lime juice to sailor rations to prevent disease .1
Adding lime juice to meals can help mitigate the formation of carcinogenic nitrosamines (harmful compounds) in foods containing nitrates or nitrites, as the vitamin C in the juice acts as a natural inhibitor .11
Consuming whole fruits, including citrus, is consistently linked to a reduced risk of cardiovascular disease, with large-scale cohort studies showing that high daily fruit and vegetable intake can lower the risk of heart attack and stroke by up to 30% .4
While whole citrus fruits are beneficial, evidence suggests that increasing the degree of processing—such as moving from fresh lime to ultra-processed fruit beverages—is associated with increased health risks .12
Petal shape shows the nine FoodCompass domains, including nutrient density, processing, satiety, fats, and phytochemicals.
2.80 g · 10% DV target
34.5 mg · 38% DV target
Seasonality has not been estimated for this ingredient yet.
Store in a sealed bag to prevent the skin from drying out.
Citrus fruits generally have a low carbon footprint, though water usage in arid regions is a factor.
The term 'limey' originated in the 19th century as a nickname for British sailors, who were required by the Royal Navy to consume lime juice daily to prevent scurvy.