Beatrix Montes
There are several reasons why people like to add a lime wedge to their beer. Some believe that the lime will clean the top of the bottle by eliminating any lingering germs due to its acidic content. Limes can also mask the taste of a skunky beer. In addition, the fragrance of lime juice can help mask the skunky odour that occurs when beer is exposed to light. It has also been said that the lime is meant to keep flies out of the beer, as citrus is a natural bug repellent. One of the more well-known beers that people commonly associate with lime is Corona.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Beer commonly served with lime | Corona, Landshark, Tecate, Hoegaarden, Allagash White, NoDa's NoDajito |
| Other names for lime disease | Phytophotodermatitis, Margarita photodermatitis |
| Symptoms of lime disease | Small to large blisters, second-degree burns, brown marks that can last for months |
| Ways to prevent lime disease | Avoid direct sunlight, wear a large-brimmed hat, cover arms and legs, sit under an umbrella, use SPF-50 sunscreen |
What You'll Learn
Corona and lime
When it comes to beers that go well with lime, one of the most iconic combinations is Corona and lime. This pairing has become so well-known that it inspired the title of a song by American rapper Shwayze, "Corona and Lime," released in 2008.
Corona, a light lager, is often associated with summer days and beach vacations. The addition of a lime wedge to a bottle of Corona is not only visually appealing but also serves a practical purpose. Some believe that the acidity of the lime helps to clean the top of the bottle by eliminating any germs. Furthermore, the lime can enhance the flavour of the beer, especially if it has gone a bit "skunky."
However, there are a few considerations to keep in mind when adding lime to your Corona. Firstly, it is important to be mindful of health and safety. Always wash your hands before handling limes, as the bare hands of bartenders can be a breeding ground for germs. Secondly, avoid cutting or squeezing limes directly into your beer when exposed to direct sunlight. This is because limes contain a chemical called furocoumarin, which can cause a toxic reaction when combined with ultraviolet rays, resulting in a skin condition known as "lime disease" or Phytophotodermatitis.
To safely enjoy your Corona and lime, follow these simple tips: cut and squeeze your lime indoors or under the shade, and always wash your hands before handling any food or drink. By taking these precautions, you can enhance the flavour of your Corona while minimising the risk of any unwanted skin irritation.
While Corona and lime may be a popular combination, it is worth noting that there are other beers that can also be enjoyed with a citrus twist. For example, NoDa's NoDajito, Landshark, and Hoegaarden are all beers that some drinkers enjoy pairing with lime. However, for many, Corona and lime remain a classic, refreshing duo.
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Lime disease
While it is possible to add lime to any beer, it is important to take certain precautions. If you are in direct sunlight, you may get "lime disease" or Phytophotodermatitis, a skin condition that can cause serious irritation, blisters, and even second-degree burns. This occurs due to a chemical reaction between the furocoumarin in limes and ultraviolet rays from the sun. Therefore, it is recommended to cut and squeeze limes into your beer when indoors or in an area shielded from direct sunlight.
Now, let's talk about "Lyme disease." Lyme disease is a serious infectious disease caused by the bacterium Borrelia burgdorferi, which is transmitted by the bite of infected ticks. It can affect multiple systems of the body and, in later stages, can even cross the blood-brain barrier, leading to symptoms like peripheral neuropathy, brain fog, and word iteration.
When it comes to alcohol consumption with Lyme disease, it is generally recommended to abstain. Alcohol can negatively impact the immune system, triggering symptom flare-ups and more intense symptoms. Additionally, Lyme disease can affect the liver, and consuming alcohol while infected can further burden and weaken this organ. Alcohol can also increase histamine levels in the body, leading to issues such as itching, rashes, and a lump in the throat for those with histamine intolerance. Furthermore, alcohol consumption may increase the risk of developing porphyria, a condition associated with severe abdominal pain, chest pain, anxiety, and muscle weakness, among other symptoms.
In conclusion, while adding lime to your beer is generally safe if done indoors or away from direct sunlight, it is important to be cautious to avoid "lime disease." As for Lyme disease, alcohol consumption is not recommended due to its potential negative impacts on the immune system, liver, histamine levels, and the risk of developing porphyria.
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Limes as a disinfectant
Limes are known to have disinfectant properties, and their use as a disinfectant goes back centuries. The high alkalinity of limes prevents bacteria and microorganisms from adhering to surfaces, both interior and exterior. This property of limes is especially useful during the COVID-19 pandemic, as it can be used to sterilise objects and spaces that are susceptible to contamination.
Lime is also used to treat water, eliminating bacteria, viruses, and fungi. In agriculture, lime (calcium oxide) has been used for disinfection for centuries. Its properties as an alkali allow it to destroy most bacteria and some viruses by saponifying the lipid components of biological membranes, resulting in structural disruption of the microorganisms.
However, lime is thought to have limited activity against bacterial spores, and there is evidence that suggests exposure of certain bacterial spores to calcium may aid in their survival and viability. For this reason, the Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) no longer recommends the use of lime for agricultural anthrax disinfection.
Additionally, it is important to note that adding lime to beer can be done but should be done while avoiding direct sunlight as it can cause "lime disease" or Phytophotodermatitis, a skin condition causing serious skin irritation and blisters.
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Other beers with lime
While Corona is the most well-known beer to be paired with lime, there are several other beers that are commonly served with this citrus fruit.
Landshark
Landshark is a beer similar to Corona but with a smoother taste. It was initially released in Florida during a test market in 2005 or 2006.
Gose
Gose is a salty and acidic beer that pairs well with lime and lemon.
NoDa's NoDajito
NoDa's NoDajito is a Corona-style beer that is considered to go well with lime.
Light lagers
Light lagers are often paired with lime, although some breweries have also experimented with using lime in saisons and other wheat beer variations.
Hoegaarden
Hoegaarden is a witbier that is sometimes served with lemon. Other witbiers, such as Allagash White, may also be served with lime or lemon.
It is important to note that when adding lime to any beer, it is recommended to avoid direct sunlight to prevent a condition called phytophotodermatitis, also known as "lime disease." This condition can cause skin irritation, burns, and blisters.
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Gose and lime
Gose with Lime, often referred to as "You Put the Lime in the Gose and You Drink It All Up," is a hazy straw-coloured beer with a creamy white head. The aroma is dominated by lime and tart acidity, with hints of coriander. The mouthfeel is effervescent yet full-bodied, characteristic of wheat beers. The flavour is slightly salty, with a mild cereal grain undertone from the German pilsner malt, creating a well-rounded taste experience.
One notable example of Gose with Lime is the collaboration between Ardent Craft Ales and O'Connor Brewing Co. Their creation, aptly named "Gose with Lime," offers a traditional German-style Gose experience with a zesty lime twist. The addition of lime zest amplifies the beer's bright acidity, while the Maine Sea Salt adds a subtle touch of salinity, enhancing the citrus flavours.
Boulevard Brewing Company also offers a unique take on Gose with their Tequila Barrel Lime Gose. This variation infuses sea salt, coriander, and lime peel with hints of lively tequila and oak, vanilla, and caramelized banana aromas. The result is a well-balanced beer with a slightly salty finish.
Gose with Lime is incredibly versatile and can be enjoyed on its own or as a base for cocktails. Some even suggest adding a shot of tequila or using it as a base for margaritas! When it comes to food pairings, Gose with Lime complements a variety of dishes, including fish tacos, salsa and chips, guacamole, seafood, salads, and even cheesecake.
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Frequently asked questions
Beers that are often drunk with lime include Corona, Tecate, Bud Light, Dogfish Head Sea Quench Ale, New Belgium Brewing Citradelic Exotic Lime, Uinta Brewing Lime Pilsner, and Tallgrass Brewing Co. Key Lime Pie.
There are several theories as to why Corona is often drunk with a lime. Some say it is to remove rust from the bottle rim, to act as a disinfectant, to mask a skunky flavour, or to keep flies out of the beer. It is also theorised that the trend began in 1981 when a bartender added lime to Corona to increase its marketability.
Yes, lime is often added to cheladas, which are beer cocktails. It is also common to add lime to tequila drinks, such as margaritas.
