Lime
Citrus fruit◎ Good year-round
Used in 12 of 45 cuisines (27%)
The zesty wake-up call that brightens every bite.
Lime delivers a sharp, zesty punch with its bright acidity and fragrant aroma, instantly elevating dishes with its refreshing tartness. Its vibrant green hue is as lively as its flavor.
Where it comes from
Native to Southeast Asia, lime has become an essential ingredient in cuisines worldwide, often associated with tropical and Latin flavors.
In the kitchen
Crucial for balancing flavors, lime juice and zest are used in marinades, dressings, and beverages, cutting through richness and adding brightness.
Nutrition (per 100g)
30kcalCal
0.7gProtein
0.1gFat
7.1gCarbs
2.8gFiber
Values are AI-estimated, not from a laboratory database
Pairs well with
Fish Sauce
A quick squeeze of lime over fish sauce—lime's sharpness cuts through, leaving the sauce's depth. Add last to keep its zing alive.
Chili Pepper
Quick sizzle of chili, then a splash of lime off-heat. The chili's heat spikes, then lime cools it down—zesty and sharp, perfect for a kick.
Cilantro
Chop cilantro and squeeze lime over. The citrus cuts through, lifting cilantro's fresh, green notes. Perfect for a quick salsa.
Corn
Grilled corn loves a squeeze of lime. The citrus cuts through the sweetness, adding a fresh zing. Apply just before serving.
Avocado
A squeeze of lime brightens avocado's richness, cutting through with a sharp, fresh note. Always add just before serving.
Scotch Bonnet
Add lime juice at the end. The sharp citrus cuts through the heat, lifting the fruity aroma of the pepper.
Coconut
Add lime juice to coconut milk. The citrus cuts through the richness, lifting the flavor. Perfect for curries and desserts.
Mango
A squeeze of lime brightens mango's sweetness, adding a zesty kick. Mix just before serving to keep flavors fresh.
Green Papaya
Toss with lime juice. The acidity brightens the papaya's crunch, lifting its subtle sweetness.
Rice Noodle
A squeeze of lime at the end lifts the dish. The citrus cuts through, brightening the noodles' mild flavor.
green chilies
Squeeze fresh lime over green chilies. The acid cuts through the heat, brightening the spice with a zesty lift.
Rum
Squeeze fresh lime over rum. The citrus sharpens and brightens the sweet notes. Perfect for a refreshing cocktail.
Sweetcorn
Grilled sweetcorn loves a squeeze of lime. The citrus cuts through the sweetness, adding a bright, tangy finish.
Beef Flank
Squeeze fresh over sliced beef. The lime's acidity brightens, balancing the rich, meaty flavors.
Trassi
Squeeze lime after cooking. The zesty acid cuts through trassi's deep funk, brightening the dish.
Jackfruit
A squeeze of lime brightens jackfruit's sweetness, adding a zesty lift. Use at the end to keep the citrus fresh and sharp.
Jicama
Squeeze fresh lime over raw jicama. The citrus sharpens its mild sweetness, turning crunch into a refreshing bite.
Agave
Agave's smooth sweetness tames lime's tartness. Mix into dressings or drinks for a bright, balanced finish.
Chayote
A squeeze of lime brightens chayote's subtle flavor, adding a refreshing tang. Add just before serving for a fresh lift.
Yuca
Squeeze lime over fried yuca. The citrus cuts through the starch, adding a bright, tangy finish.
Lychee
Squeeze lime over lychee. The tartness sharpens lychee's sweetness, adding a zesty contrast.
Sambal
A squeeze of lime brightens sambal's heat. Add just before serving for a fresh, tangy lift.
Cotija Cheese
Squeeze fresh lime over cotija. The citrus cuts through the salt, brightening every bite.
Coconut Cream
A squeeze of lime at the end brightens the rich coconut cream, cutting through with a fresh, tangy lift.
Black Bean
Squeeze lime over cooked black beans. The citrus cuts through, lifting the beans' depth with bright acidity.
Coconut Oil
Finish with lime juice off-heat. The citrus cuts through the oil's richness, adding a bright, zesty lift.
hominy
Squeeze lime over cooked hominy. The citrus tang cuts through the starch, adding a refreshing zing.
Fresh coconut
Grate coconut, squeeze lime over. The citrus sharpens coconut's creamy sweetness, perfect for a fresh salad or topping.
corn on the cob
Squeeze lime over grilled corn. The acidity cuts through the sweetness, lifting the flavors with a fresh zing.
chili sauce
A squeeze of lime brightens chili sauce, cutting through the heat with a sharp, refreshing tang. Add just before serving.
