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.
Do key limes only grow in Florida?
Citrus aurantiifolia is native to Southeast Asia. ... 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.
Are key limes grown in the Keys?
Key limes, Citrus aurantiifolia, is actually a hybrid of Citrus micrantha and Citrus medica. ... Unless your key limes are grown in the Keys (which is rare nowadays), you are not supposed to call them ‘key limes’. They have to be called ‘Mexican limes’ – and they are nowadays grown mostly there and exported to the US.
Do key limes come from Key West?
They say key lime pie originated in Key West some time toward the end of the 1800s . As the story goes, one William Curry, a prominent Key West resident and Bahamian-born immigrant who became Florida’s first millionaire, had a cook called “Aunt Sally” who concocted the first pie from key limes.
Where do key lime trees grow?
Key lime trees are cold-sensitive, so they should only be planted in the warmer tropical and subtropical areas of the country . They will grow best outdoors in zones nine and higher. In colder areas, it is best to grow the key lime in a container that can be brought inside when signs of frost are present.
Should I prune my key lime tree?
Prune lime trees every year or two , which will help keep them from becoming too large. Always use sharp pruning shears or loppers when pruning lime trees. If you have frost damage, wait until the trees have shown new growth. Prior to pruning lime trees, pick off any remaining fruit.
How much water does a lime tree need?
Lime trees need consistent moisture to grow well. Water the soil deeply once or twice a week , rather than frequent shallow watering. When the soil is dry to about 6 inches, water the lime tree. Do not let the lime tree dry out, since the leaves will wilt and drop.
Can I use regular limes in place of key 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.
Do key limes taste different?
As for whether they have a different taste, the food testing pros over at Cooks Illustrated claim that there’s a slight difference in flavor . “Sampled plain, the Key lime juice tasted slightly less tart and bracing than its Persian counterpart,” they wrote.
When should I buy key limes?
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.
How long does it take a key lime tree to produce fruit?
After reaching its full height, a dwarf key lime trees will begin to bear fruit in about 1-3 years . The tree flowers in the spring, with fruit following in late spring to early summer (if the flowers fall off without bearing fruit, that means your tree is not yet mature enough to bear fruit).
What are the benefits of key limes?
- Rejuvenates skin. Several skin care products claim to promote healthier, younger looking skin. ...
- Improves digestion. ...
- Fights infections. ...
- Helps with weight loss. ...
- Lowers blood sugar. ...
- Reduces heart disease. ...
- Prevents cancer. ...
- Reduces inflammation.
Why is key lime pie so good?
With it’s tartness and sweetness combined in a creamy pie, it is a delightful taste sensation. What makes this fruit so special? While you probably wouldn’t want to eat Key Limes alone with their extreme tartness, the Key Lime makes a great addition to desserts, specifically, the Key Lime Pie.
Do you need 2 lime trees to produce fruit?
No, you do not need two lime trees to get fruit , since most lime trees are self-pollinating. This means that the flowers contain both a male and female part. However, self-pollination does not mean guaranteed pollination.
How long do Key lime trees live?
The typical lifespan of lemon and lime tree, including a hybrid lemon lime tree, is over 50 years . However, with proper care, excellent growing conditions, and satisfactory disease prevention practices, lemon and lime trees can live for over a hundred years.
How tall do Key Lime trees grow?
Key lime is a small, bushy tree, rarely taller than 12 feet (4.1 m) . It has slender branches armed with short to medium length thorns. Spineless selections are more compact and upright in growth, have darker green foliage, and are characterized by low fruit production.
