Can anyone grow a Mexican Key lime tree?
Almost anyone can grow Mexican key lime trees if you have the right information. Let’s take a look at the growth and care of key lime trees. Mexican key lime ( Citrus aurantifolia ), also known as key lime, bartender’s lime, and West Indian lime, is a moderately sized, evergreen fruit tree.
What is lime juice used for in Mexican cooking?
Lime juice is an indispensable part of Mexican cuisine. It’s used in everything from beverages to dressing ceviche, soups, salads, fruit and vegetables, meats, in desserts and more. And it’s not just the juice; lime zest also makes its way into plenty Mexican recipes as well.
What are key limes used for?
In Central America, Key limes are known as Mexican limes are used in savory dishes such as sopa de lima, which is a chicken soup with vegetables, and in liquors, cocktails, and pastries in Mexico.
Where do limes come from in Mexico?
The majority of Mexican limes produced in Mexico come from the states of Guerrero, Colima, Oaxaca, Michoacán, Jalisco, Tabasco and Veracruz. There are a few varieties of Mexican limes that may range in size, and you’ll mostly see them labeled as key limes or West Indian limes in the United States.
See more
Current Facts
Key limes, botanically classified as Citrus aurantiifolia, are small fruits found on thorny, evergreen trees that can grow up to three meters in height and belong to the Rutaceae or citrus family.
Nutritional Value
Key limes are a great source of vitamin C, folate, and potassium, and contain zinc, iron, calcium, and phosphorus. The essential oils found in the rind of Key limes, containing over sixty different volatile compounds, also provide antibacterial, anti-fungal, anti-inflammatory, anti-parasitic, and antioxidant properties.
Applications
Key limes are best suited for fresh applications, and both the juice and zest are utilized in sweet and savory preparations. The limes add a tart flavor to numerous beverages such as limeade, fruit punch, and cocktails, and can be incorporated into jams, marinades, syrups, sauces, and marmalades.
Featured Restaurants
Restaurants currently purchasing this product as an ingredient for their menu.
Recipe Ideas
Recipes that include Mexican Key Limes. One is easiest, three is harder.
Recently Shared
People have shared Mexican Key Limes using the Specialty Produce app for iPhone and Android .
Mojito
A refreshing Havana-inspired rum drink. For when you're expecting Hemingway over, or just having a barbeque on a nice summer day.
Big M's Spicy Lime Grilled Prawns
Succulent and moist grilled prawns. Serve with salad, potatoes, and bread. Enjoy!
Key Lime Cream Pie
Flavorful pie named after key limes, found in the Florida Keys. Garnish each slice with whipped cream if you like.
Mesclun and Mango Salad with Ginger Carrot Dressing
Very simple to make. Great on a hot day and when you want something refreshing. The dressing adds an Asian twist.
The Real Mojito
Considered Cuba's national drink, this lime and rum cocktail is a favorite with pirates, swashbucklers, and colorful characters in the Caribbean and beyond.
Moscow Mule Cocktail
The slightly spicy ginger flavor makes this a great winter warming cocktail, while the lime makes the Moscow Mule just as sublime in summertime.
Cosmopolitan Cocktail
The cosmopolitan, typically referred to as the 'cosmo,' gained popularity during the 1990s when it was frequently mentioned on the television show Sex and the City. The combination of vodka, orange liqueur, lime juice, and cranberry juice have made it a timeless classic.
Key Lime Tree Information
Mexican key lime ( Citrus aurantifolia ), also known as key lime, bartender’s lime, and West Indian lime, is a moderately sized, evergreen fruit tree. It grows vigorously once you plant it in the ground, reaching heights of 6 1/2 to 13 feet (2 to 4 m.) tall.
How to Grow Mexican Key Lime Trees
When learning how to grow Mexican key lime trees, start by choosing a healthy tree. The leaves should not have holes or any ragged edges because this suggests bug damage. Inspect the foliage, especially the underside of the leaves for bug infestations.
Care of Key Lime Trees
Once a week, water the Mexican key lime tree thoroughly. Place a 2- to 4-inch (5 to 10 cm.) layer of mulch over the soil to help it retain moisture and prevent weeds from growing. Keep the mulch 2 inches (5 cm.) away from the bark of the tree to prevent disease.
Notable Characteristics and Description
Mexican lime trees also go by the common names Key lime, Mexican thornless lime and West Indian lime. Portuguese and Spanish explorers brought it to the Americas in the 1500s, where it became naturalized in the Florida Keys and Mexico, according to the University of Florida IFAS Extension.
Considerations for Mexican Lime Trees
When selecting a permanent location to grow your Mexican lime tree, consider its mature height and width. You don’t want to plant it too close to a structure or vegetation where it can’t grow to its full potential or receive adequate air circulation.
Basic Tips and Care
Relatively drought tolerant once established, you should water newly planted Mexican lime trees every other day for the first two weeks, cutting back to a couple of times weekly for the next few months. Thereafter, you can water every week, considering local weather conditions.
Key Lime Pound Cake
This Key lime pound cake was inspired from a basic pound cake recipe that I like to play around with. It's now the only cake requested at every gathering. The unfrosted cake freezes well. —Pat Stewart, Canton, Georgia
Margarita Floats
On a hot afternoon, what could be better than a cold margarita float? The addition of creamy ice cream really takes this treat to the next level. —Teri Rasey, Cadillac, Michigan
Popular Videos
After years of working in professional kitchens, Lindsay traded her knives in for the pen. While she spends most of her time writing these days, she still exercises her culinary muscles on the regular, taking any opportunity to turn local, seasonal ingredients into beautiful meals for her family.
