Lemon and lime are two citrus of the genus Citrus that belong to the family of Rutaceae. This family comprises more than 1,600 species. The botanical genus Citrus is the most important of the group, and consists of about 20 species with edible fruits all very abundant in vitamin C, flavonoids and essential oils. The fruits, called the Hesperides, have the peculiarity that their endocarp is formed by numerous vesicles full of juice. Lemon and lime are mainly used to dress or taste other fruits or dishes and culinary preparations. Nutritive properties Its major component is water. They are the fruits of lower calorific value, although you have to keep in mind that they are not consumed as fresh fruit but only their juice. It emphasizes its content in vitamin C, citric acid and substances of astringent action. The most abundant mineral is potassium. Vitamin C is involved in the formation of collagen, bone and teeth, red blood cells and favors the absorption of iron from food and resistance to infections. Citric acid, has a disinfectant action and potentiates the action of vitamin C. Potassium is necessary for the transmission and generation of the nerve impulse, for normal muscle activity and is involved in the balance of water inside and outside the cell.