Character
The Story of Key Lime
Key lime (Citrus aurantifolia) delivers an intensely aromatic, complex citrus character that distinguishes it from milder varieties. Native to Mesoamerica, this small, round fruit yields an essential oil prized in perfumery for its sharp, green, and authentically citrusy profile.
Heritage
Key lime traces its origins to Mesoamerica, where indigenous peoples cultivated it centuries before European contact. Spanish and Portuguese colonizers spread the word "limon" (covering both limes and lemons), creating persistent confusion that lingers in official agricultural reports today. French traders proved more precise, differentiating varieties as "limette" (Key lime) and "citron vert" (Persian lime). The fruit gained international fame through Key lime pie, a classic American dessert created in the Florida Keys, which cemented the variety's name in popular culture despite the fruit originating in Mexico and the West Indies rather than Florida.
At a Glance
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Feature this note
Mexico
Primary source region
Ingredient Details
Steam distillation
Fruit peel
Did You Know
"Despite its name, Key lime does not originate from the Florida Keys. The name derives from its use in Key lime pie, not its geographic roots."