Key limes are naturally alkalising and so are good for detox, expelling toxins and mucus from the body. They are used in a variety of dishes ranging from salad dressings, to beverages, desserts, drinks, and skin care. But does it matter if it is homemade or store-bought?
Read on to find out.
Why are Key Limes Better than Regular Limes?
For the most part, most limes (regular limes) are seedless. Seedless foods are unnatural, may have incomplete molecular structure and have little or no nutrition.
Regular limes are hybrid, unnatural and may have incomplete chemical structure. Many of the missing health benefits in normal limes are found in key limes, which are the more natural alternative.
If you are unable to figure out and differentiate key limes from regular limes, check out our guide on how to tell key limes from regular limes.
As explained in that article, the remarkable differences to watch out for are the size, appearance and seeds. While Key Limes are smaller and with seeds, a regular lime on the other hand is a little bigger, about 30mm in circumference and without seeds.
Is Homemade key lime juice better than Premade?
Homemade key lime juice are not only budget friendly, but healthier. While you can typically juice 1 gallon (16 cups or 128 oz) of key lime juice from a 5 lb bag of key limes that costs less than $20, a small 32 oz premade bottle typically costs more, often in the range $30 to $40.
Aside being less expensive, homemade key lime juice are more nutritious and provide the needed energy that you can possibly get from freshly made key limes. Besides, you’ll have to also watch out for added preservatives and additives.
Homemade Key Lime Juice Vs Premade Key Lime Juice
While premade key lime juice are convenient, they are pretty expensive. While I recommend making your own key lime juice, it’s okay to go with trusted premade brands if you cant find the time or convenience to make yours.
Homemade Key Lime Juice | Premade Key Lime Juice |
---|---|
Fresher and healthier | Less fresh |
Better, more tangy taste | Less tangy taste |
More natural | Added preservatives |
Cheaper | More expensive |
Control over ingredients that go into your juice | Less control |
Less convenient if busy | More convenient option for busy people |
There is so much confusing information out there about key limes. Many sources often claim Key limes are hybrid since they are a result of the cross breeding of yellow lemons and citrons.
However, we must distinguish between natural hybrids and man made foods.
Key limes are naturally occurring hybrids, which happen due to close proximity of similar plants growing in same geography, and have evolved over the years.
This is different from man-made hybridization where two unrelated plants are cross pollinated to form a new one. More often than not, man made hybrids are seedless, lack nutrition and can be harmful.
- What is the Difference Between a Key Lime and a Lime?
- How to Juice a Key Lime in 3 Easy Steps
- Homemade Vs Premade Key Lime Juice Health Benefits
- How Long does Key Lime Juice Last? 7 Tips for Longer Shelf-life
- 12 Tips on Storing Freshly Squeezed (Homemade) Key lime juice
How to Use Key Limes
Key limes can be used in many different ways. Key limes are used in a variety of dishes ranging from salad dressings, to beverages, desserts, drinks, and skin care. They are used in;
- Alkaline Water
You can use key limes to make alkaline water. All you need do is cut up some slices of key limes (you can peel or leave the skin on) and place into spring water and allow to sit for 4 hours or more.
- Dressings in recipes
Key limes make a great addition to foods especially as dressings and toppings.
- Sauces/Rubs
Key limes can be used as part of sauces/rubs for a more tangy taste
4. Desserts
The famous key lime pie comes to mind. Key limes are the main part of the ingredients that gives the characteristic key lime flavor to this popular dessert.
- Alkaline Deodorant
Not many people know that Key Limes can be used as natural deodorant. This is something I use because it works great. You also have no chemicals and all those unnatural stuff getting into your lymph and body. We all know skin and breast cancer have often been linked to chemical deodorants, so if you’re looking for a healthy and natural option, this is where to go.
However you have to a bit cautious not to allow the zing from the skin of the lime get on your skin, this can hurt the skin and make it inflamed.
Can you substitute lime juice for key lime juice?
Dr. Sebi advocated for key limes due to the fact that they come seeded, and are more natural. Regular limes on the other hand are often hybrid or GMO and are not recommended.
Key limes are preferred but if you have no other option and find regular limes with seeds, they can serve as substitutes as well.
Final Notes:
Both homemade and premade key lime juice have their own set of benefits. Homemade key lime juice is made fresh, so it will always be the freshest you can get your hands on.
With just a few ingredients, you’ll never need to buy anything again! Premade key lime juice may not be as fresh, but it is still a convenient option when you need it.
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