Known as the powerhouse of the citrus family, lime offers an almost endless number of applications in food, beverage, fragrance, personal care, and cleaning products. Whether complementing the flavor of a cocktail mix, adding zest to a savory dish, balance to a spicy one, or bringing out the crisp top note of a scent, lime allows bolder flavors or fragrances to shine.
The flavor profile of lime can swing from tart and sour to sweet and sugary, a direct correlation to the amount of sugar or citric acid it offers. Tahitian and Key limes are among the most popular varieties found in the United States. The Key lime, a citrus hybrid, is distinguished by its unique flavor compared to other, more common lime varieties. Coupled with its thicker, darker green skin and smaller, seedier core with a stronger, more acidic aroma, the key lime is one the principal ingredients in more exotic desserts. Tahitian limes, also known as Persian limes, are believed to be a cross between a Key lime and a lemon without their seedy properties. These are the most commonly cultivated species of limes in most commercial markets.
While the precise origin of the lime is unknown, it is believed to have originated in Southeast Asia, dating back over 2,500 years. It wasn’t until Columbus sailed to America on his second voyage in 1493 that limes made their way to the ‘New World’ and surrounding Caribbean countries.
Limes offer a variety of natural benefits. Packed with healthy vitamins and minerals, lime also contains flavonoid compounds that provide antioxidant and disease-fighting agents. Beneficial to the skin, the crisp scent of lime is used in a variety of new natural beauty and cosmetic products.
Artiste sources the highest quality lime essence oils, extracts, and flavors from across the globe. Each variety is unique in its taste and aroma, offering flavorists, perfumers, and chemists a host of possibilities and product applications.
To learn more, contact Joe at info@artiste.us.com or give us a call at 201-447-1311.
