Smaller, rounder and slightly more sour than lemons, green limes are used as a core ingredient in a large variety of rum cocktails.

Whether they are used for cooking or as a cocktail ingredient, limes are valued for the acidity of the juice they produce as well as for the floral aroma of their zest.

Used extensively by British sailors in the 19th century to protect them against scurvy (hence the nickname of "limey" at the time), limes are packed with vitamin C just like other citrus fruits.

Available all year round, just like lemons they can produce more juice when at room temperature. However, they can be preserved longer when refrigerated. Just like lemons, the skin of the lime is often used to add a zest twist to a cocktail.

While lemons are particularly well suited to be mixed with whisky or brandy, the sourness of limes makes them ideally suited for rum-based cocktails - hence their popularity in Latin America.