Limes and lemons are often confused, and this is not surprising since these fruits are closest relatives. However, they vary quite a bit in taste, so it is not always possible to replace lime with lemon and vice versa.
Instructions
Step 1
Limes that can be found in stores are very bright green. This is due to the fact that lime deteriorates very quickly, so that the period of its sale is extended by removing the fruits in an unripe state. Lime is usually more juicy than lemon, it has a greenish flesh with a strong odor, and the flesh of a lemon is almost transparent with a yellowish tinge.
Step 2
Lime is one of the most acidic fruits, it is much more acidic than lemon, moreover, its taste has a pronounced bitter tint, and the aroma of lime is richer and more complex than the aroma of lemon. It should be noted that lime is much more difficult to store than lemon. This fruit does not respond well to high humidity and can rarely last longer than two weeks. Lemon can stay in the refrigerator for about two months without losing its presentation.
Step 3
Both lime and lemon are used medicinally as a source of vitamin C, with a little more of it in lime. Both fruits are sedative, help to normalize heart function and strengthen blood vessels. Lemon contains a large amount of phytoncides and vitamin P, and lime contains fruit acids and B vitamins.
Step 4
If the recipe specifies lime or lemon juice, you can substitute one for another without losing the quality of the dish, but if a special flavor is important to you, you should use the fruit specified in the recipe.
Step 5
If you want to make classic cocktails, for example, Mojito or Margarita, you cannot replace lime with lemon, since it is lime that these cocktails owe their unique taste. When preparing Thai or Mexican dishes, lime juice is also difficult to do without, since lemon juice does not provide the richness of aroma and taste that is characteristic of these national cuisines. The sour-bitter taste of lime goes very well with the taste of fish, meat and shrimp, emphasizing all the best in them.
Step 6
It is better to use lemon in baking, the taste of lime is too intense and can "hammer" the rest of the ingredients, the delicate and not so intense taste of lemon is better in meringue, creams and ice cream. The same goes for soft drinks. Lemon has a softer flavor, making it an ideal ingredient for making a variety of homemade lemonades.
Step 7
If you don't like the taste of one of these fruits, you can of course replace it with another. Just keep in mind that lemon and lime are not always interchangeable.
