Lime In The Winter

Year 4-Day 21:  Today, I am grateful for lime in the winter.

Lime is wonderful in summer, too, but in the winter it seems more necessary. It gives more pleasure.

Winter citrus...limes, oranges, grapefruit and lemons add color and a sense of sunshine to the dark,  cold and bitter days. Limes are full of vitamin C, vitamin B6, folic acid, potassium, flavonoids and other phytonutrients and are known to have natural medicinal properties. For me, it is the breath of freshness... the taste of summer... that is simply good for the soul. 

Now...lime is one of those flavors that has to be real. Not an artificial flavor, but the real deal. It brings salsa and fish to life. Squeeze it on plain white rice for interest. It bursts with flavor and interest. Lime pairs particularly well with basil...one of my favorite herbs. (Many love it with cilantro...but unfortunately, I am one of those people who finds cilantro tastes like soap.)

Lime...bright and bold...is a perfect antidote for the winter blahs. 

Genesis 1:11-12 is a reminder of the artistry and creative majesty that went into the hand that brought forth fruit bearing trees: 

And God said, “Let the earth sprout vegetation, plants yielding seed, and fruit trees bearing fruit in which is their seed, each according to its kind, on the earth.” And it was so. The earth brought forth vegetation, plants yielding seed according to their own kinds, and trees bearing fruit in which is their seed, each according to its kind. And God saw that it was good.

It is good. 

The fragrance of the lime is available in soaps. It has become one of my favorite scents (if you leave out the coconut...I like coconut but not the fragrance). Bath and Body stores used to cell a Lime Citrus Basil...now I find I am always on the hunt for something like it. Lime is not overpowering. It breathes a sense of clean.

Today, I am grateful for lime in the winter.