The lime is the smallest and probably most widely used fruit amongst the family of citrus. Lime comes from Southeast Asia. The name is of Arabic origin and it is believed that the Arabs most likely introduced it into India and Persia from where it was taken to Europe. Today it is cultivated in many tropical countries such as Florida， Brazil， Mexico and Egypt.

The lime is a small citrus fruit， like a small orange， with skin and flesh that are green in color. The pulp of the lime taste sour， and the fruit contains twice the amount of juice as the yellow， larger lemon. The juice， as a drink， makes one of the best thirst-quenchers. The acid content of lime is known to slow down the oxidation of fresh-cut fruits and vegetables， thus preventing discoloration and acting as a preservative