Limes make everything brighter (like this soup). Ripe limes hanging on the tree really cheer the winter garden up. You gotta grow a lime!
If you live somewhere with cold winters and frosty springs then choose a Tahitian lime. Plant it once frosts are over, and in a frost free spot (close to your house) cause limes are the most tender citrus of all. Lots of sun, lots of shelter, lots of rotten manure = lots of limes.
Pick a fresh lime, uproot a heap of coriander, grab some bottled tomatoes and make this soul soothing, brightly flavoured tomato soup.
1cup red lentils
800g bottled or canned tomatoes
2 – 3cups stock
1 onion, chopped
3 cloves garlic, minced
Juice of 1 lime
Pinch of chilli flakes or sliced fresh chilli
Coriander (as much or as little as you love)
Slowly cook the onions in some oil until your patience runs out. Make gooey your maximum and transparent your minimum.
Add the garlic and cook for a sec, then add the lentils, tomatoes, chilli and 2cups of stock. Cover with a lid and cook gently for 40 minutes. Give a good stir every now and then because the lentils will be doing their best to stick to the bottom. Add more stock/ water as needed.
Once the lentils are soft, season and add coriander and lime juice. Whizz together.
Serve alongside a bowl of coriander, chilli (fresh, sauce or flakes), and wedges of lime for those (like me) who always want more.
We live in Paekakariki and I have cosseted and fed and cared for my Tahitian lime for 7 years. No frosts. But not one single lime. Not cold enough? I would LOVE to grow limes…..I should give up?
Oh Trish! What a shame!
Ok so here are some questions – get back to me with your answers so I can help you get some limes off that tree!
Describe the soil underneath the lime? Dark, sweet smelling and wormy I hope!
What are you feeding it and when?
Is it in a free draining spot? I know you are at the beach, answer is probably yes!
Is it in full sun (minimum of 10am – 2pm)?
Is it out of the wind?
Does it flower?
If yes do the flowers drop?
Describe the foliage to me – dark green, or yellow, flat or curled, glossy or dry.
Do you water deeply through dry weather?
Are there suckers coming from below the graft the bottom of the trunk?
love Sherlock
Good morning Sherlock
I have received your welcome newsletter full of amazing info and practical ideas while completing 6 weeks in Southern India.
My morning ritual is having about 3squeezed limes with soda. The locals add honey and salt! You have inspired me to attempt a planting on my return.
Happy Spring and look forward to applying all your wisdom on my return on Saturday.
Love the food here but miss my greens and salads. Powdered kale is not quite the same.
Best wishes Di
Thanks for dropping by! Oh wow – India – what an adventure.
I don’t think there is a more refreshing fruit than a lime. They give every cell a shake up, especially first thing in the morning… feelin’ good!
happy travels
love Kath