Key lime
A small, acidic lime valued for its aromatic flavor.
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The Key lime, also known as West Indian lime, Mexican lime, or Egyptian lime (Citrus × aurantiifolia), is a type of lime. It originated as a natural hybrid between Citrus micrantha (a wild papeda) and Citrus medica (citron). It is valued for its characteristic flavor and is best known as the flavoring ingredient in Key lime pie, taking its name from the Florida Keys where it was naturalized.
Scientific classification
- CladeTracheophytes
- CladeAngiosperms
- CladeEudicots
- CladeRosids
- OrderSapindales
- FamilyRutaceae
- GenusCitrus
- SpeciesCitrus × aurantiifolia
Named by (Christm.) Swingle
Close relatives
Other species of Citrus with a Codexery entry.
- Bitter orange Citrus × aurantium
- Citron Citrus medica
- Lemon Citrus × limon
- Mandarin orange Citrus reticulata
- Bergamot orange Citrus bergamia
- Kaffir lime Citrus hystrix
- Calamansi Citrus × microcarpa
- Citrus australasica
Sources: Wikipedia taxobox: Key lime (CC BY-SA 4.0)
Where the key lime has been recorded
Map: drawn by Codexery. Data: Natural Earth basemap (public domain) · place coordinates: Wikipedia (CC BY-SA 4.0)
Quick Facts
- Genus
- Citrus
- Species
- × aurantiifolia
Facts from the source article.
Background
The Key lime is a shrubby tree growing to 5 metres with many thorns. Its leaves are ovate, resembling orange leaves, and its flowers are yellowish white with a light purple tinge. The fruit is spherical, 3–6 cm in diameter, with a very thin, glandular peel and yellow-green pulp that is very acidic, juicy, and fragrant.
The tree flowers and fruits throughout the year, most abundantly from May to September in the Northern Hemisphere. The Key lime is usually picked while still green but turns yellow when ripe. Skin contact can sometimes cause phytophotodermatitis, making the skin sensitive to ultraviolet light. The Key lime is native to Southeast Asia and spread through the Middle East to North Africa, then to Sicily and Andalucia, and via Spanish explorers to the West Indies, including the Florida Keys.
Henry Perrine is credited with introducing the Key lime to Florida. In the late 19th century in California, Mexican limes were more highly valued than lemons, while in Florida they were considered weeds. Since the North American Free Trade Agreement, most Key limes on the U.S. market have been grown in Mexico, Central America, and South America, though they are also grown in Texas, Florida, and California.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Key lime?
Key lime (Citrus × aurantiifolia) is a small, sharply acidic citrus fruit that also goes by the names West Indian lime, Mexican lime, and Egyptian lime. It is a true lime species celebrated for its intense, aromatic flavor profile.
What does the '×' in Key lime's scientific name mean?
The multiplication sign in Citrus × aurantiifolia signals that the species is a natural hybrid rather than a pure, single-parent lineage. It reflects the fruit's origin as a cross between two distinct citrus ancestors, papeda and citron.
More in Peppers & Citrus Fruits
Sources
Compiled from Wikipedia and the sources listed below. Text from Wikipedia is available under CC BY-SA 4.0; this entry is adapted from it.
- Wikipedia: Key lime (CC BY-SA 4.0).
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