Pickled lime facts for kids
Pickled lime is a food made by soaking limes in a special liquid called brine. This process, called pickling, helps to keep the limes fresh for a long time. It also gives them a unique and strong flavor.
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A Taste of History: Pickled Limes Long Ago
In the 1800s, pickled limes were very popular. They were sent from the West Indies (islands in the Caribbean Sea) to places in the Northeastern United States, like New York and Boston.
From the West Indies to New England
Around the mid-1800s, many pickled limes were in high demand in New York. By the late 1800s, most of them were sent to Boston. Stores would display these limes in large glass jars on their counters. They sold them one by one, but some customers even bought entire barrels! During this time, pickled Key limes were also sent from Florida to Boston.
How Are Pickled Limes Made?
The pickled limes known in 19th-century New England were often made from Key limes. These limes were cut into pieces. Then, they were placed in a salty water mix called brine. They would stay there for about three to four weeks to become fully pickled.
A Penny Snack for Kids
Because these pickled limes were kept at a low import tax rate, stores could sell them very cheaply. They often cost just one penny! This made them easy for children to buy. Kids commonly carried them to school as a snack. The fictional character Amy in the famous novel Little Women by Louisa May Alcott loved to eat them.
Enjoying Pickled Limes: How They Are Used
Pickled limes can be eaten in different ways. Sometimes, people enjoy them all by themselves as a tasty snack. They are also used as an ingredient in making some sweet relishes, which are like savory jams.
Pickles in Indian Cooking
Lime is a very important ingredient in many dishes from India. Many different types of lime pickles are made there. These include sweetened lime pickle, salted pickle, and lime chutney. The way they are made can change depending on the region. However, the main idea is usually the same. Limes are cut into small pieces. Then, they are mixed with various spices like mustard seed, chili, and turmeric. After that, salt is added. The mixture is left, covered, in the sun for several weeks to pickle.
In the United Kingdom, Indian restaurants often serve crispy papadums with lime pickle as a starter before the main meal.
