Where did key limes originate?

Though the lime is strongly associated with the Florida Keys, and its popular name even comes from this association, the Key limes are actually native to tropical Southeast Asia. 1 Its other names include West Indian lime, Bartender's lime, Omani lime, or Mexican lime.

Where was Key lime invented?

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 Perrine is credited with introducing the Key lime to Florida.

Where are limes originally from?

Lime is believed to have originated in northern India and adjoining parts of Myanmar, or in northern Malaysia. The lime is now cultivated throughout the tropics and in warm subtropical areas. The sour limes were probably one of the first citrus fruits to be carried from the east by the crusaders.

Are all limes from Mexico key limes?

Yes, a "limon" in Mexico is typically the same fruit as a Key lime. In Mexico, the word "limon" is often used to refer to the Key lime, which is smaller and more acidic than the Persian lime commonly found in the United States. Both fruits are used in cooking and beverages and have a similar flavor profile.

What state is known for Key lime?

Now recognized as an important symbol of Florida, The Florida State Legislature sees key limes as not only an important export, but important in Florida's history. The most pivotal part of the pie is the filling. The “sweet spot” between the tart key lime, and the creamy condensed milk is crucial for the pie's quality.

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What are some fun facts about key limes?

Florida key limes are smaller than Persian limes, averaging 2 to 5 centimeters in diameter, and are characterized by their globular, uniform shape and fragrant aroma. The smooth skin is pocked with many prominent oil glands and ripens from green to yellow when mature, sometimes covered in brown patches and spots.

Are key limes only from the Florida Keys?

Though the lime is strongly associated with the Florida Keys, and its popular name even comes from this association, the Key limes are actually native to tropical Southeast Asia.

Are key limes healthier than regular limes?

When it comes to nutrition, key limes and Persian limes are similar, both offering fiber and vitamin C, with few calories. They are basically interchangeable when used in recipes, although key limes offer a bolder taste.

How do you tell if a lime is a key lime?

A Key lime, also known as a Mexican lime, West Indian lime, or Florida Key lime, is significantly smaller and rounder. Key limes also contains seeds, while the Persian limes — sometimes called a Tahitian limes — found in grocery stores typically do not.

What are Mexican limes called?

Mexican lime is known by many names such as Key lime, Bartender's lime, and West Indian lime. The trees are moderately-sized and bushy, almost shrub-like, and the leaves are distinctively aromatic when crushed. Some selections are quite thorny, while other selections are thornless.

What country eats the most limes?

Most of the world's commercially grown lime trees are found in Mexico, the country that also consumes the most limes. Limes are used in cuisines throughout the world.

Why do Mexicans eat limes?

For Mexicans, the lime has always been an easily accessible citrus and is one of the reasons why we put it on practically everything. Its acidity combines perfectly with our spicy cuisine. Limes are the perfect companion to tacos, soups and many delicacies that we eat in our day to day life.

Who brought limes to Mexico?

Spanish colonists brought them to the Americas. Columbus brought lemon seeds to Hispaniola in 1493, and by 1520 Mexican limes were reported to be regularly cultivated in Haiti, eventually spreading throughout the Caribbean Islands and the Mexican mainland.

Who invented Key lime?

A 1926 restaurant menu includes "lime pie", but it is unclear what it was. Various accounts claim that it was known earlier, but none were recorded before 1933. A widely reported story claims that William Curry's cook Aunt Sally invented it in the late 19th century.

Did Florida invent Key lime pie?

It's generally accepted common knowledge that the Key lime pie was invented in Key West, Florida, where the key limes needed to achieve its signature tart taste grow in abundance. However, evidence has emerged to suggest that Floridians aren't actually responsible for the inception of the iconic dessert.

Is there a Key lime tree?

Because it adapts well to growing in containers indoors or outdoors, the Key lime tree is a favorite for growing citrus at home. In temperate climates it may be planted in the ground. This is the perfect plant to accent your patio—with the bonus of fresh limes!

Is key lime a male or female?

The flowers have both male and female parts.

Are key limes good for you?

For starters, they are a good source of vitamins and minerals. Key limes are rich in vitamin C, essential for immune function, skin health, and iron absorption. They also contain small amounts of B vitamins like folate and pantothenic acid. Minerals in key limes include potassium, calcium, and magnesium.

Are key limes only grown in Florida?

Today, there is little to no commercial Key lime production in Florida, although it remains a popular home landscape fruit tree. Distribution: Key limes are grown in warm subtropical and tropical regions of the world. Major producing countries are India, Mexico, Egypt, and various countries in the West Indies.

Is key lime anti inflammatory?

It is widely used because of its antibacterial, anticancer, antidiabetic, antifungal, anti-hypertensive, anti-inflammation, anti-lipidemia, and antioxidant properties; moreover, it can protect heart, liver, bone, and prevent urinary diseases.

Why are key limes special?

Key limes have a flavor that is different from regular limes. They are more acidic and have a more intense, tangy taste – more “lime-y,” if you will. Some people describe the flavor of key limes as slightly sweet with a hint of bitterness. They also have a floral aroma that is more noticeable than regular limes.

How long does it take a key lime tree to bear fruit?

About six to nine months after your tree matures, you will be able to start harvesting fresh limes. It's usually best to pluck key limes while they are still green.

Why is Key lime pie so good?

Because it is sweet and tart at the same time, and the citrus-y tang is refreshing. What's not to like? It's sweetened key lime juice (not Persian lime juice) and egg yolks, and some lime zest mixed together and baked in a graham-ginger crust.

Is key lime Mexican?

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.

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