Do you ever have extra limes and aren’t sure what to do with them? Nah, I’m not talking about using them in margaritas or gin and tonics, although that is definitely an idea for some folk. And I do know people who choose their cocktail based on whether there are limes that need to be used up. (Ahem, I might have done this before.)
Merely to use up the limes, of course.
I sometimes forget about the limes sitting in the fruit bowl and then next thing you know, they are baseball-like firmness. Shucks.
You certainly can juice the limes before they are hard as a rock. Store the juice in the fridge, or even freeze the juice for later use, or make “lime ice cubes” to throw in mocktails or to jazz up your seltzer water or herbal tea.
Although lemons tend to be used more commonly in a variety of beverages, dressings, marinades, and even desserts, I thought I’d incorporate some leftover lime juice in a quickie smoothie. For the Lovers of Tartness (or Sour > Sweet), you can easily lighten up traditionally sweeter smoothie mixes with the juice of a lime. It seems to satisfy thirst a bit more effectively when we add a touch of sour or tone down the sweet overload of a fruit-heavy drink.
This here smoothie recipe is also a hefty snack (good fat sources and not devoid of protein like the majority of common smoothie recipes). Or for some people, it can be used as a meal replacement, provided you include additional protein. Check it out.
Smoothie Ingredients:
1/3 c coconut milk (the real deal from the can)
1/2 c water
1/2 avocado
1/2 c Fage 2% plain yogurt (can swap out for non-dairy, but use a protein-fortified variety)
1/2 c frozen strawberries
1/2 small frozen banana
2 Tbsp lime juice
3-4 ice cubes
Blend well and enjoy the creamy-tart-freshness.
Basic nutritional info:
440 calories
37 grams carbohydrate
8.5 grams fiber
15 grams protein
26 grams fat
2:1 ratio of carbohydrate to protein
This blend is also a great source of vitamin C (thank you lime juice and strawberries) and potassium (thank you banana, avocado, yogurt). The fiber amount also helps with satiety, which we all need so that we avoid the frequent visits to the fridge DTSM (Due To Snack Monster).
If you’re looking for a post-workout meal or a meal replacement version, add another 15-20 grams of protein. The easiest option is a protein powder such as the Simply Tera’s vanilla whey (or a plant-based vanilla flavor blend). It will do ya good.
So, don’t throw out your limes, gang. Oh, and if you’ve got a zester gadget, go ahead and zest the peel of the lime. Blimey! That’s just an extra bonus of lime goodness your palate will love.
-Dina