What does a key lime look like?
A key lime is a hybrid citrus hybrid fruit that is spherical and measures about 1 to 2 inches across. It is green when picked but becomes yellow when ripe. A ripe key lime feels heavy for its size.
Is it normal for limes to turn yellow?
Limes left on the tree long enough become yellow or yellow-green, but most of them are picked well before that happens. So if your limes are starting to turn yellow, don’t despair. In most cases, as we explain, it’s perfectly natural.
Where does Key lime come from?
Key is from Florida Keys, where the fruit was naturalized. The Oxford English Dictionary dates the first use of "key lime" to 1905, in an issue of Country Gentleman, which described the fruit as "the finest on the market. It is aromatic, juicy, and highly superior to the lemon.".
Do Key limes need to be refrigerated?
They’re light yellow (not green) when ripe and contain more seeds than regular limes. Their skin is also very thin, which means they don’t store well. It’s best to keep them out of the fridge and use them within two days of purchasing. Key lime juice is prized for being tart and super-aromatic.
Why is my key lime yellow?
Limes are yellow when they are fully ripe and develop sugars that make them delicious at this stage. They are not sold when yellow because unripe fruit is easier to ship since it is harder, and stores longer when unripe.
What color should Key limes be?
yellowish-green colorLook for a yellowish-green color. They should be heavy and firm, but not hard. Since these limes are smaller and more expensive than Persian limes, they're typically sold in pre-measured bags.
Are Key limes still good when yellow?
Yellow limes are far juicier and less acidic than the green phase. Because they've had time to mature, the natural sugars have developed, making them sweeter and delicious. If you want to give the yellow lime a try, don't simply leave a green one on the counter or windowsill to ripen. You would be out of luck!
How do you tell if a lime is a key lime?
One of the most noticeable differences between regular limes key limes is the size and color of the limes. More often than not, a key lime is smaller and more yellow than a regular lime. When sliced in half, you'll also notice that the key lime has a thinner skin and contains more seeds.
Are limes yellow when ripe?
Ripe limes are pale green or yellow and relatively uniform in color, as opposed to limes with spots of yellow here and there, which indicate that those areas of the fruit were shaded from sunlight as it was growing.)
What is the difference between a Key lime and a Persian lime?
Key limes are smaller and contain more seeds than Persian limes. And while Persian limes have thick, bright green skin, a Key lime's skin is thin and tends to be a little on the yellow side. The juice from Key limes is also more yellow.
How can you tell if a lime has gone bad?
Discard your lime if:There's visible mold. Limes typically go moldy after you cut them up, but if the rind is heavily bruised, it might grow mold too. ... It's super soft, shriveled, or slimy. ... Browned skin. ... It's cut and stored for more than 4 to 5 days.
Do Key limes taste like regular limes?
Not quite! Persian limes are more acidic than Key limes and thus often have a more tart flavor. Key limes, which are known for being particularly aromatic, are typically sweeter in taste, making them a perfect ingredient for the refreshing pie they're most known for (or for these fun Key lime pie-inspired s'mores).
Are Key limes sweeter than regular limes?
Green Key limes are immature fruits offering juice with higher acidity. As they ripen to a yellow hue, the juice loses its acidity and takes on a sweeter flavor. It's the tart, yet sweet taste of a uniquely aromatic yellow Key lime that gives the Key lime pie it's distinctive flavor. There are other types of limes.
Can you use regular limes instead of Key limes?
But you don't have to use Key limes. And it turns out that regular limes (also known as Tahiti or Persian limes) make just as good a pie.
What does key lime taste like?
What Does It Taste Like? The juice of a key lime is tarter and somewhat more bitter than a Persian lime, though some people find the taste very bitter and almost caustic. For this reason, key lime juice is often used in very sweet desserts. The bitterness of the key lime balances well with the sweetness of sugar.
What is the flavor of key lime?
Smaller and with more seeds than the more common Persian lime, its distinctive flavor makes it heavily sought after, especially for delicious desserts. Key lime is most often used for its juice, which is sweet and tart and a signature ingredient in key lime-based desserts, marinades, and cocktails.
Why are key limes sweeter than Persian limes?
While key limes are juicier than their Persian counterparts, the size difference means that a Persian lime has more juice than key lime.
What is lime juice used for?
The juice is used for syrups and, of course, key lime pie. Most commercially available key lime pies these days are made from ...
How long can you keep limes in the fridge?
Do not store them in the refrigerator—this will speed their decay. Ripe key limes should be used within a day or two.
How much juice is in a Persian lime?
A good rule of thumb is that a Persian lime contains 2 to 3 tablespoons of juice while a key lime contains about 2 to 3 teaspoons of juice. 15 Tangy Lime Recipes to Make Your Mouth Pucker. Article Sources.
When are key limes in season?
They only grow in certain regions of the United States and are in season for only a short time, from June through September in Florida and some parts of California. And they don't stay fresh long.
What is a yellow lime?
Karen Beverlin of Fresh Point, who works closely with Southern California farmers and is a bit of a produce whisperer, loves a yellow lime, especially a variety like Bearrs that’s ridiculously juicy when yellow and ripe. "A ripe [yellow] lime is to a regular lime as a Meyer lemon is to a regular lemon," she explains.
Why are my limes turning yellow?
But since we're so accustomed to seeing green limes at the supermarket, light green and yellow-ish limes can seem suspect. The truth is that when you see a partially yellow lime, it’s yellow for one of two reasons: Either it’s ripe and less acidic ...
What does it mean when a lime is pale green?
Ripe limes are pale green or yellow and relatively uniform in color, as opposed to limes with spots of yellow here and there, which indicate that those areas of the fruit were shaded from sunlight as it was growing.)
How long do limes last in the refrigerator?
She always keeps her limes in the refrigerator, where they can last up to a week longer.
Why do they strip limes?
They strip all the fruits of each tree at one time, and they do it when the majority of the limes are still green because green limes travel better. And since the most common lime variety sold at U.S. supermarkets is a Bearrs (aka Persian or Tahitian) lime that's traveled from Mexico, post-travel quality is key.
Where are key limes grown?
Since the North American Free Trade Agreement came into effect, most Key limes on the United States market have been grown in Mexico, Central America and South America. They are also grown in Texas, Florida, and California . The Key lime has given rise to several other lime varieties.
How to grow key limes from seed?
There are various approaches to the cultivation of Key limes. This variety of citrus can be propagated from seed and will grow true to the parent. The seeds must be kept moist until they can be planted, as they will not germinate if allowed to dry out. If the plants are propagated from seed, the seeds should be stored at least 5–6 months before planting. Alternatively, vegetative propagation from cuttings or by air layering may permit fruit production within one year, and from genetically more predictable lines of plants. Another method, digging around a mature tree to sever roots, will encourage new sprouts that can be transplanted to another location. Clones are often bud grafted into rough lemon or sour orange to obtain strong root stocks (see also fruit tree propagation ).
What is the difference between a key lime and a Persian lime?
The Key lime is smaller, seedier, has higher acidity, stronger aroma, and thinner rind than the Persian lime ( Citrus × latifolia ). It is valued for its characteristic flavor. The name comes from its association with the Florida Keys, where it is best known as the flavoring ingredient in Key lime pie.
Why do you plant key limes in trenches?
Because its root system is shallow, the Key lime is planted in trenches or into prepared and broken rocky soil to give the roots a better anchorage and improve the trees' wind resistance. Pruning and topping should be planned to maximise the circulation of air and provide plenty of sunlight.
Where did lime originate?
Key is from Florida Keys , where the fruit was naturalised. The earliest known use of the name is from 1905, where the fruit was described as "the finest on the market. It is aromatic, juicy, and highly superior to the lemon."
Who introduced the Key Lime?
Henry Perrine is credited with introducing the Key lime to Florida. From the Caribbean, lime cultivation spread to tropical and subtropical North America, including Mexico, Florida, and later California .
Is a key lime a cross?
The Key lime has given rise to several other lime varieties. The best known, the triploid progeny of a Key lime-lemon cross, is the Persian lime ( Citrus × latifolia ), the most widely produced lime, globally. Others are, like their parent, classed within C. aurantiifolia.
Why are my limes turning yellow?
The number one reason why limes begin turning yellow is that they’ re in the final stages of ripening. Occasionally, however, yellowing indicates a problem with their growing conditions.
What happens when a Persian lime tree turns yellow?
Many people consider them tastiest at this stage. Eventually, they’d turn yellow, become bitter and fall to the ground.
How long does it take for a lime tree to produce fruit?
With proper care, most lime trees start producing fruit about three years after planting. And once they start, they don’t stop. Both Persian and key lime trees have fruit in various stages of ripening (and shades of green or yellow) all year long: 1 Persian limes fruit produce almost 70 percent of their fruit between May and September, with most of it ripening after June. 2 Key limes have two heavy flushes of fruit, the first in May and June and the second in November and December. For the remaining eight months, they produce more lightly.
How long do limes keep after harvest?
Limes Turning Yellow after Harvest. The only limes that turn yellow after harvesting are Persian limes stored between 48° and 50°F (9° and 10°C) for two months or longer. Refrigerate them anyway; otherwise they’ll become dry, tough and flavorless.
How to get rid of yellow spots on lime trees?
To eliminate the problem, restrict your annual pruning to no more than 20 percent of the branches every year. Remove only the diseased, dead or crossing limbs.
Where do limes come from?
Most limes sold in the U.S. are Persian limes ( Citrus latifolia) from Mexico. They’re harvested when green and not quite ripe. Why? Because unripe limes bruise less during shipping and last longer in storage than ripe ones.
When do Persian limes ripen?
Both Persian and key lime trees have fruit in various stages of ripening (and shades of green or yellow) all year long: Persian limes fruit produce almost 70 percent of their fruit between May and September, with most of it ripening after June.
What is a key lime?
Key limes—also known as Mexican limes or West Indies limes—are small, spherical limes that grow in tropical and subtropical regions. They’re light yellow (not green) when ripe and contain more seeds than regular limes. Their skin is also very thin, which means they don’t store well.
How much juice does a lime have?
Each lime contains two to three tablespoons of juice (compared to Key lime’s two to three teaspoons). Their thick skin helps them keep longer than Key limes, and they’re good for about a month in the crisper drawer of your refrigerator.
What is coconut key lime thumbprint?
Coconut Key Lime Thumbprints. This is the cookie recipe I created for the Las Vegas World Food Championships in 2013. It's similar to a shortbread thumbprint cookie, but with lots more personality. —Amy Freeze, Avon Park, Florida.
Where are Persian limes grown?
They’re a great substitute for vinegar in marinades or homemade salad dressings, and their juice and zest boost other flavors in savory recipes like lime-chipotle carnitas. Mexico and Brazil grow most of the world’s Persian limes, but they’re also grown in the U.S. in Florida.
Can you use key limes in place of regular limes?
Key lime juice is prized for being tart and super-aromatic. You can use them in place of regular limes in any recipe, but they’re an ideal choice for sweetened-up desserts like Key lime pie, cupcakes or thumbprint cookies.
Appearance
One of the most noticeable differences between regular limes key limes is the size and color of the limes.
More Potent Juice
As compared to other varieties of lime, a key lime will require more limes to produce the same amount of juice. That being said, rest assured that the juice you do extract will be powerful and stunningly aromatic.
Less Acidic
We all know the look of someone that has bitten into an overly acidic piece of fruit. The eyes scrunch up, the lips tend to pucker and the face shakes from side-to-side.
Key Limes vs Limes
Whether you're opting to make a key lime pie or you're crafting an expert cocktail, it's helpful to note the differences between key limes vs limes.
What color is a key lime?
Unlike larger Persian limes, the smaller key lime has a slightly yellow coloring when it's fully ripe. The skin should have a fine grain like leather. An entirely yellow lime has reached the peak of maturity. These limes are very bitter, and most people find them unappealing.
When are Florida limes in season?
Florida key limes are in season throughout the summer and into early fall. But these limes are no longer grown for commercial sale. These days, Mexican and Central American key limes are the limes that you'll see for sale. Mexican key limes are available throughout the year.
Is lime bitter?
These limes are very bitter, and most people find them unappealing. Look for a good balance between the green and yellow. Avoid limes that are all green and rock hard; these aren't ripe or juicy. You should also avoid limes that have hard and shriveled skin. These are limes that are too old.
Can you grow your own limes?
Grow Your Own Key Limes. As you can see, harvesting key limes on your own can result in having fresh fruit year-round. But knowing the answer to "when are key limes in season," will help you select the juiciest and most flavorful fruit. Having your own tree lets you control the key lime harvest. You can hand select your limes at the peak ...
Do limes last longer?
Limes last longer when you leave them on the tree. Your lime tree harvest should only be for what you currently need. When you do, pick the low hanging fruit first. This fruit is more susceptible to frost and brown rot.
Is lime juice hard?
They should be heavy and firm, but not hard. Since these limes are smaller and more expensive than Persian limes, they're typically sold in pre-measured bags. This can limit your ability to choose which limes you want. Another option is to look for key lime juice.
Do key limes have thorns?
If you have a Florida key lime tree, you'll have to contend with thorns and need to wear leather gloves. Other thornless key lime varieties make harvesting more enjoyable. Grasp the fruit in your hand and gently twist. A ripe lime will pop right off the branch without much effort.
Overview
Agronomy
There are various approaches to the cultivation of Key limes. This variety of citrus can be propagated from seed and will grow true to the parent. The seeds must be kept moist until they can be planted, as they will not germinate if allowed to dry out. If the plants are propagated from seed, the seeds should be stored at least 5–6 months before planting. Alternatively, vegetative propagati…
Etymology
The English word lime was derived, via Spanish then French, from the Arabic word ليمة līma, which is, in turn, a derivation of the Persian word limu لیمو. Key is from Florida Keys, where the fruit was naturalised. The earliest known use of the name is from 1905, where the fruit was described as "the finest on the market. It is aromatic, juicy, and highly superior to the lemon."
Description
C. aurantiifolia is a shrubby tree, to 5 m (16 ft), with many thorns. Dwarf varieties exist that can be grown indoors during winter months and in colder climates. Its trunk, which rarely grows straight, has many branches, and they often originate quite far down on the trunk. The leaves are ovate, 25–90 mm (1–3+1⁄2 in) long, resembling orange leaves (the scientific name aurantiifolia refers to this resemblance to the leaves of the orange, Citrus aurantium). The flowers are 25 mm (1 in) in d…
History
The Key lime cultivar is a citrus hybrid, Citrus micrantha × Citrus medica (a papeda-citron cross).
Citrus aurantiifolia is native to Southeast Asia. Its apparent path of introduction was through the Middle East to North Africa, then to Sicily and Andalucia and then, via Spanish explorers, to the West Indies, including the Florida Keys. Henry Perri…
Key Lime Festival
The annual Key Lime Festival in Key West, Florida, has been held every year since 2002 over the July 4 weekend and is a celebration of Key limes in food, drinks, and culture. At the end of each festival, attendees drink a bottle of tequila and use Key limes as chasers.
External links
• Data related to Citrus aurantiifolia at Wikispecies
• Media related to Citrus × aurantiifolia at Wikimedia Commons
• Citrus aurantiifolia (Christm.) Swingle United States Forest Service description