Lime

lime, any of several species and hybrids of trees and shrubs of the genus Citrus (family Rutaceae), widely grown in tropical and subtropical areas for their edible acidic fruits. The Persian lime (Citrus ×latifolia) is one of the most common commercial varieties, though the smaller key lime, or Mexican lime (C. ×aurantifolia), is also economically important in many places. The lime fruit is a key ingredient in certain pickles and chutneys, and lime juice is used to flavour drinks, foods, and confections. Limeade and other lime-flavoured drinks have a flavour and bouquet quite distinct from those made from lemons (Citrus ×limon). The juice of lime fruits may be concentrated, dried, frozen, or canned. Lime oil, from the peel of the fruit, is processed mainly in the West Indies. Citrate of lime and citric acid are also prepared from the fruit.