Agua de Lima, also known as Lime Water, is a refreshing beverage made from limes. Here’s a detailed response to your questions:
What is it?
Agua de Lima is a traditional Latin American drink that consists of lime juice, water, and sugar. It’s a simple and thirst-quenching beverage enjoyed for its citrusy and slightly sweet flavor.
History:
This drink has a long history in Latin America, where it is often prepared as a homemade remedy for hot weather and to combat dehydration. It has been enjoyed for generations as a way to refresh and rehydrate, especially in regions with warm climates.
Components:
To make Agua de Lima, you’ll need the following components:
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Limes: Fresh limes are the star ingredient, providing the tangy and citrusy flavor. You’ll need a few limes to extract the juice.
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Water: Fresh, clean water is essential. It serves as the base for the beverage.
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Sugar: Sugar is used to sweeten the drink to taste. The amount of sugar can be adjusted according to your preference.
Steps to Prepare Agua de Lima:
Here’s a step-by-step guide to making Agua de Lima:
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Prepare the Limes: Wash and then roll the limes on a hard surface to soften them. This makes it easier to extract the juice.
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Cut and Squeeze: Cut the limes in half and squeeze them to extract the juice. You can use a citrus juicer or simply squeeze them by hand. Strain the juice to remove any seeds or pulp.
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Mix Ingredients: In a pitcher, combine the lime juice, water, and sugar. Start with a few tablespoons of sugar, and then taste to adjust the sweetness. You can add more sugar if needed.
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Stir Well: Stir the mixture thoroughly to ensure the sugar is dissolved and the lime juice is well-distributed.
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Chill: Refrigerate the Agua de Lima for at least 30 minutes before serving. This allows the flavors to meld and the drink to become cold and refreshing.
Preparation Time:
Agua de Lima is a quick and easy beverage to prepare. It typically takes about 10-15 minutes to extract the lime juice, mix the ingredients, and chill the drink for a refreshing experience.
Enjoy your homemade Agua de Lima as a delightful and revitalizing beverage, especially on a hot day. Adjust the sweetness to your liking, and you’ll have a personalized version of this classic Latin American drink.
Certainly, here are the nutrition facts and health information for Agua de Lima (Lime Water):
Nutrition Facts (Approximate, per 8-ounce serving):
- Calories: 30-40 kcal
- Carbohydrates: 8-10 grams
- Sugars: 6-8 grams
- Vitamin C: 20-30% of the Daily Value (DV)
- No fat or protein
Health Information:
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Hydration: Agua de Lima is an excellent choice for staying hydrated, especially in hot weather. It provides essential fluids to help maintain proper bodily functions.
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Vitamin C: Limes are a rich source of vitamin C, and this beverage can contribute to your daily intake of this essential nutrient. Vitamin C is known for its antioxidant properties and its role in supporting the immune system.
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Low in Calories: Agua de Lima is a low-calorie beverage, making it a healthier alternative to sugary sodas and fruit juices. It can be a part of a balanced diet, especially if you’re watching your calorie intake.
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Low in Fat and Protein: This drink is naturally low in fat and protein, which is typical for most beverages. It’s a light and refreshing option that won’t contribute significantly to your daily intake of these macronutrients.
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Sugar Content: The sugar content can vary depending on how much sugar you add to your Agua de Lima. To keep it healthier, you can adjust the sweetness to your preference, and consider using less sugar or natural sweeteners.
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Refreshing and Rehydrating: One of the key benefits of Agua de Lima is its ability to refresh and rehydrate. It’s a great choice for quenching your thirst, particularly on warm days.
Remember that the exact nutritional content may vary based on the specific recipe and the amount of sugar you add. To make Agua de Lima even healthier, you can experiment with reducing the sugar content or using alternative sweeteners like honey or agave syrup.