Although it originated in Mexico, guacamole has now become a very common dip or salad eaten around the world, especially in America.
Originally it was prepared using mashed avocados with some sugar and fresh lime. But with growing time the recipe has undergone some changes. Ripe and nicely mashed avocados remain the main ingredient with some shifts in the spices.
Along with avocados in there goes some sea salt with some freshly squeezed lime juice, onions, cilantro, and jalapenos.
Some innovative recipes also include tomatoes, sour cream, and basil. This extremely popular recipe is not only very tasty but is very nutritious at the same time.
The main ingredient, avocados, provides you fiber, several vitamins including vitamin A, K, and E, and you will get potassium and carotenoids as well. Simple guacamole can enrich your body with many vital nutrients.
Why Is Lime Used In Guacamole?
Lime has always been an important ingredient of guacamole. It brightens up the flavor and cuts the bland and creamy flavor of guacamole. These reasons make lime an integral ingredient of the recipe.
The presence of polyphenol oxidase in avocados makes them turn brown when exposed to oxygen for a long time. And this brown-colored sauce looks extremely unappetizing. Lime helps in creating a layer over the avocados and prevents contact with air for some time.
Having said that, you still need to place the guacamole in an air-tight container to extend its shelf life. Other than being a natural preservative, lime also adds in some flavor as well. It gives the guacamole a nice punch.
Along with flavor lime also increases the nutritional value of guacamole. Lime is full of vitamin C which will help boost your immune system.
It protects you against viral infections and it will also help make your skin look younger and glowing. The antioxidants found in lime reduce the risks of heart diseases and cancer cell formation.
Can You Make Guacamole With Lemon?
In many recipes, lime and lemon have been used interchangeably. The same goes for guacamole. You can use lemon instead of lime. You will only notice a slight color and taste difference between the two.
When talking about flavor both are tart and citrusy, with lemons being on the sweeter side while limes have a slightly bitter taste.
Belonging to the broader category of citrus fruits, lime and lemon have many things in common. Their nutritional values and health benefits are very similar. They have almost the same levels of calories (29-30%), fiber (3%), and carbohydrates (9-11%).
The only major difference in terms of nutrients is that lemons contain a higher percentage of vitamin C than lime that is 88% and 48% respectively. Lemons are also richer in vitamins and minerals like potassium and folate. They provide similar protection against viral infections and other major diseases.
5 Lime Substitutes for Your Guacamole
What if you are short on lime but still want to have guacamole? Don’t worry! You can make guacamole even without lime. Let’s have a look at the 5 lime substitutes for your guacamole.
1. Vinegar
Every kitchen surely has a bottle of vinegar. It is widely used in many recipes and can be substituted in guacamole as well. Synthetic vinegar or apple cider vinegar, you can use any kind you like. Vinegar can make up for the acidity of lime.
It will give a similar sourness to your guacamole. The only thing to keep in mind is the quantity you are putting in the dish. Vinegar is much harsh than lime, so do not use too much of it. You can start with half the amount and then balance the flavors to taste.
2. Citrus Fruit Juices
Citrus fruits can be a simple substitute for one another. And the most common substitute for lime can be lemon juice. It will give the same tangy taste to the recipe but slightly towards the sweeter side which can be balanced.
You do not need to worry about the quantity. A 1:1 substitute will be just perfect. Other than lemon you can also try orange juice or grapefruit juice. These also help develop a similar tangy taste but quantities may vary.
Any citrus fruit juice can substitute lime, it all just depends on your taste buds. You can use the one which tastes best to you.
3. White Wine
In case you are badly craving guacamole but lime is not available, white wine can do the job for you. It might not seem the best choice but can be a savior in hard times.
Using it in the same quantity as that of lime can help you out. For some people, it may not be as acidic as lime so you can balance the flavor according to taste.
White wine will brighten up the flavor of guacamole giving it a nice punch.
4. Tamarind
If you like to have a little sweetness with the strong tangy flavor in your guacamole then tamarind can be a great substitute. Tamarind is well known for its sweet and sour flavor.
Whenever you want to give sweet and sour flavor to your dish tamarind is an excellent choice.
The same can work for guacamole as well. It will help provide that tangy element to your recipe. You simply need to dilute some tamarind pulp in water and are good to go. The quantity of pulp you dissolve in water will determine the tanginess of your dish.
If you want to have a dominant sour taste you can adjust it while making the dilution.
5. Lemon Zest
Frozen or dried lemon zest can also substitute the citrusy effect of lime. It might not taste the same but will definitely add some freshness and acidity to your guacamole.
You might need to dissolve it before adding it to the dish.
Resources:
- https://www.mantitlement.com/easy-homemade-guacamole/
- https://avocadosfrommexico.com/guacamole/glossary/how-to-make-guacamole/can-make-guacamole-lemon-instead-lime/
- https://www.thekitchn.com/short-on-limes-try-these-substitutes-202782
- https://avocadosfrommexico.com/how-to-keep-guacamole-from-turning-brown/