Lime juice refers to the liquid extracted from limes, which are small and tart citrus fruits. The juice is typically green in color due to its high concentration of limonene, a compound responsible for the characteristic flavor and scent of limes. Lime juice has many uses in cooking, baking, and beverage-making, adding a tangy taste and distinctive aroma to dishes like ceviche, margaritas or guacamole. It is also used as a natural food preservative due to its acidity, which helps prevent the growth of bacteria in canned goods or pickled vegetables.