30+ - Limes

Brits and British sailors got the nickname 'limey' from limes. The British navy was the first to pioneer using citrus fruits on all their ships to prevent scurvy. From 1795, they predominantly used limes as they grew abundantly in their colonies. Limes originated in South East Asia. Arab traders brought them to Europe and Columbus took lime seeds to the Caribbean where they flourished.

Lime varieties include Persian, Key, Mexican, Tahiti and Kaffir. The Australian Finger Lime contains pearl-shaped juice sacs. They hybridise easily - the limequat is a lime-kumquat hybrid.

Limes are a good sources of vitamins C, B1, B6, calcium and iron, They contain flavonoids, limonoids and hesperidin which are anti-inflammatory, antioxidant and supportive of cardiovascular health. Lime juice can also be a deterrent to mosquitoes.

Limes are zingy and refreshing and are used in beverages, dressings, sauces, stir-fries, soups, curries and desserts such as Key Lime Pie.