Lime It Up!

When Spring turns into Summer and Summer into Fall, there's often a buzz of all the fruits (and vegetables) that are in season. What I realized this past weekend is that one of the (arguably) most versatile fruits is a lime. Yet when the topic of fresh fruits arises, I don't ever hear anybody say "Mmmmm! I love limes!"

Now I know what you're thinking- "versatile? What is she thinking? Limes are not versatile!" But I argue that they are! Check it out!

Uses for limes are as follows:
1. Day after day we hear about the importance of staying hydrated. Day after day I hear about how boring and tasteless water is. Many people have spiced up their 'boring, tasteless' water with a lemon. How about adding a lime in addition or instead!? Variety is the spice of life!
2. We know that vegetables are good for us (as they are low in calorie and provide us with fiber!) The unfortunate part is that sometimes a low calorie salad goes by the wayside with the addition of a high calorie salad dressing. (For example, 2 tbsp of a regular creamy dressing is approximately 160 calories. For those who like a 'wet' salad, we can easily consume over 3oo calories from the dressing alone!) So let's save those calories and try something new. Next time you're looking for a dressing, try squeezing a fresh lime over your salad (with a splash of oil, if needed!) Nothing says Summer like the taste of a lime drizzled all over a crunchy, fresh salad!
3. Ever gone to the grocery store in search of salsa only to get the aisle and then quickly be deterred by the exorbitant cost for such a little jar? Well I have a solution! Make your own salsa at home. It's pretty easy (and cheap!) All you need is a little bit of prep time to chop up all of the vegetables. And for a little kick-different from your usual store bought salsa- add more lime to give it a stronger lime taste! We could take this one step further and put a Southern twist on it by making a corn salsa with (extra) lime! Yum!
4. Speaking of Summer, who doesn't love a cool refreshing drink?! Limes are a great addition to a gin and tonic, sangria, vodka sprite, margarita, and a martini.
5. As we roll into Fall (no pun intended!), the first thing that pops into my mind is pies! Turn this little fruit into a tasty Key Lime pie (although, we do have to remember to savor this tasty pie bite by bite, otherwise we'll be sure to pack on the pounds with the extra calories! We don't want that!)

Needless to say, I think this little guy- Let's call him Mr. Limey- is quite versatile and often overlooked. Give it a try. Add a lime to something tonight! Enjoy!