Perhaps best known as key lime, Citrus x aurantifolia, is a small citrus fruit with a thin rind, high acidity, and strong aroma. The rind’s unique flavor is backed by tart and bitter notes. Our lime peel powder can be added to smoothies, baked goods, desserts, and teas. It also makes a lovely ingredient in soaps, lotions, bath scrubs, and other body care recipes.
Compared to the Persian lime (Citrus x latiolia), the key lime is smaller and seedier, with a higher acidity, a stronger aroma, and a thinner rind. It is valued for its unique flavor compared to other limes, with the Key lime usually having a more tart and bitter flavor. Though the tree is native to southeast Asia, its name comes from its association with the Florida Keys, where it is best known as the flavoring ingredient in Key lime pie.
A suitable substitute for traditional limes or any citrus fruit peel. Citrus aurantifolia is a member of the Rutaceae family and native to southeast Asia. Its apparent path of introduction was through the Middle East to North Africa, then to Sicily and via Spanish explorers to the West Indies, including the Florida Keys. From the Caribbean, lime cultivation spread to tropical and subtropical North America, including Mexico, Florida and later California. Since NAFTA came into effect, many Key limes on the US market are grown in Mexico, Central America and South America.
