Zesty green lime fruit

Lime, the life-saving colour

18th century voyages were deadly until sailors were given citrus fruit.

Apart from their colour, what’s the difference between a lemon and a lime? Well, limes have a higher acid content and almost twice as much sugar than lemons, but boast more Vitamin C, A, calcium, iron, and phosphorus than their yellow counterparts.

Thanks to that high vitamin C content, limes became extremely important to the British navy in the late 18th century. Issuing limes in seamen’s rations cured scurvy, previously fatal for many sailors on long voyages, and led to the American use of the nickname ‘limeys’ to describe the British. It doesn't just save lives; lime can give a colourful boost to your home as well!

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