May Fruit of the Month!!!

The Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) highlights a fruit and vegetable each month. The chosen fruit for May is:

The Lime

Limes may be most famous for their historical benefits to sailors. Limes are packed with Vitamin C and were eaten on ships to prevent scurvy, a disease caused by that vitamin deficiency. In the eighteenth century, all British naval ships assigned to long journeys were required to carry limes. The nickname ‘limeys’ for British sailors has continued to this day.
Selection
Select limes that are glossy and light to deep green in color. Limes should have a thin, smooth skin and be heavy for their size. Small brown areas on the skin should not affect flavor, but large blemishes or soft spots indicate a damaged lime. Ripe limes are firm, but not hard. Avoid limes that have a yellowish skin or are too small. A hard shriveled skin is a sign of dryness, as is a coarse thick skin. Limes are available year round in most supermarkets.
Storage
Limes may be stored at room temperature or in the refrigerator for up to 3 weeks. Limes store better in a plastic bag if placed in the refrigerator and those stored at room temperature will yield more juice. Take care to keep limes out of direct sunlight as they will shrivel and become discolored.

Lime Shrimp Kabobs
Makes 2 servings

Each serving equals 1 cup of fruit or vegetables

Ingredients

16 large shrimp, uncooked, deveined,
3 large limes
2 cloves garlic, crushed and peeled
¼ tsp black pepper
2 tsp olive oil
2 Tbsp fresh cilantro, cleaned and chopped
10 medium cherry tomatoes, rinsed and dried
10 small white-button mushrooms, wiped clean and stems removed

In a glass measuring cup, squeeze limes, yielding 1/4 cup of juice. Add the garlic, pepper, olive oil, and cilantro and stir. Place the shrimp in a medium bowl and pour the cilantro lime marinade over the shrimp. Let the shrimp marinate for 10 to 15 minutes in the refrigerator (do not let them marinate for more than 30 minutes as the acid of the juice will alter the texture of the shrimp). While waiting, alternate cherry tomatoes, mushrooms, and shrimp on four skewers.

Grill the skewers over a medium heat for 3 to 4 minutes on each side until the shrimp are just cooked through.

Nutritional information per serving: Calories 190, Protein 18g, Fat 7g, Calories from Fat 28%, Cholesterol 85mg, Carbohydrates 20g, Fiber 5g, Sodium 116mg.