Seasonal Produce: Limes

Purchasing

• Select firm, plump limes that are heavy for their size.
• The peels should be brightly colored, smooth and glossy. Small brown patches on the skin do no affect the quality.
• Refrigerate limes in a plastic food storage bag for up to 2 weeks.
• Wrap cut limes tightly in plastic wrap and refrigerate for up to 3 days.

Preparing

• Scrub limes thoroughly in warm, soapy water to remove surface wax and traces of insecticides. This is especially important if the peel will be used.
• To remove the peel only (the white pith underneath tastes bitter), use a box-shaped grater, a special citrus zesting tool, or a vegetable peeler.
• To extract the maximum amount of juice, bring limes to room temperature or warm them in a microwave oven on HIGH for 15 seconds. Roll the limes on the counter with firm pressure to break up the juice sacs before cutting the limes crosswise into halves.
• Use a reamer or juicer to extract the juice.

Nutrition

Serving

• Give grilled meats, poultry and seafood extra flavor by adding lime juice to marinades.
• Toss freshly cut apples, bananas, pears and avocados with lime juice to prevent them from turning brown.
• Squeeze fresh lime juice over melon, summer berries and tropical fruits-such as mangoes and papayas-for breakfast, brunch or dessert.
• Add a burst of citrus flavor to hot cooked rice by stirring in grated lime peel just before serving.
• Brighten the taste of creamy salads by adding a touch of grated lime peel to KRAFT Mayo Real Mayonnaise before tossing with salad ingredients.
• Stir a bit of grated lime peel into your favorite plain PHILADELPHIA Cream Cheese cheesecake batter for an instant taste of the tropics.