Lime is a citrus fruit that is widely used for its acidic juice and flavor. It has several varieties, with lime being the generic name, and Persian lime and Key lime being the names of its popular varieties. Key lime got its name from the Keys region in Florida, where it was cultivated until the beginning of the 20th century. In this article, we will take a closer look at both lime and key lime.
Lime is the name of a fruit that is green when unripe and becomes yellow when it ripens. It is round in shape and has a diameter of 3-6 cm. When pressed, Lime releases a juice that is sour and acidic in nature. This citrus juice is popular worldwide and is used in drinks and cuisines. The juice of lime contains large amounts of vitamin C, although some varieties are sourer than others. Lime is a fruit that is believed to have originated in Persia and Iraq; it is also called Persian lime.
Key Lime is a type of citrus fruit also known as West Indian Lime or the Mexican Lime. It has been grown in the Indo Malayan region for thousands of years. Spanish settlers brought the fruit to the Americas. It got the name Key lime because of the Keys region in Florida, where it was grown in abundance. A hurricane in 1926 destroyed the lime groves, and most of the Key lime today available in America comes from its neighbor, Mexico.
Key Takeaways
- Key lime has a thinner skin, more juice, and more citrus juice than Persian lime.
- Bartenders use Key lime, not Persian lime, and it has a unique aroma and flavor loved by chefs to season their dishes.
- Key lime is smaller and rounder, has more seeds, and its juice is used to preserve pickles and sauces, making it very popular in the US, especially in Key lime pie.
