Key Lime

Citrus × aurantiifolia Fruit

Key Lime Fruit

At a Glance

  • Category Fruit

The Forktionary Angle

"The irreplaceable ingredient for iconic tropical desserts and refreshing beverages, delivering a sharp, floral tang."

Definition

A small, highly aromatic citrus fruit with a tart, distinctive flavor and thin, yellowish-green rind, famed for its pies.

Average Juice Yield (per lime) 1-2 tablespoons
pH Level 2.0-2.3 (highly acidic)
Shelf Life (refrigerated) 2-3 weeks

Flavor Profile

The primary flavor notes for Key Lime are:

Intensely tart aromatic floral slightly bitter

Chef’s Secret

Roll Key Limes firmly on a counter before juicing to maximize yield, then microplane the zest directly into your dish for ultimate aroma.

Best Substitutes

Persian Lime

less aromatic/tart
Ratio 1:1

Lemon

different flavor
Ratio 1:1

Buying Guide

Look for heavy, unblemished limes with a slightly soft feel and a strong fragrance.