Know Your Limes: How Are Key Limes Different From Regular Limes?

Are key limes different from limes? What is a key lime, anyway? Find out more about the differences between key limes vs other lime varieties below!

Have you ever stumbled upon a key lime only to wonder just how different it is from a standard lime such as a Persian lime? 

As it turns out, there are some major differences when it comes to key limes vs limes. While many choose to use the two interchangeably, there's a world of difference when it comes to the appearance, juiciness, and flavor of the two.  

So, what is the key difference between a lime and key lime? We're sharing three ways in which the key lime is unlike any other lime variety taking up residence in your fridge.

Appearance

One of the most noticeable differences between regular limes key limes is the size and color of the limes. 

More often than not, a key lime is smaller and more yellow than a regular lime. When sliced in half, you'll also notice that the key lime has a thinner skin and contains more seeds.

While the average lime weighs 3 ounces, a key lime generally weighs in at around 1 ounce. This is why more key limes are often required to produce the same level of juice as a regular lime. 

More Potent Juice 

As compared to other varieties of lime, a key lime will require more limes to produce the same amount of juice. That being said, rest assured that the juice you do extract will be powerful and stunningly aromatic.

While you may need to employ some extra elbow grease, it's sure to be worth the extra key limes required. After all, big things do tend to come in smaller packages! 

Less Acidic

We all know the look of someone that has bitten into an overly acidic piece of fruit. The eyes scrunch up, the lips tend to pucker and the face shakes from side-to-side. 

For those that tend to err on the side of caution with acidity, a lime isn't always one's first choice when it comes to fruit. In addition to lemons, limes have the highest citric acid content of all citrus fruits. 

With a key lime, you can rest assured that it won't be on the acidic side. As compared to your standard lime, you'll notice a world of difference in the levels of acidity between the two. In fact, when comparing the two, regular limes have a lower PH and higher acidity than key limes. 

This, in part, is why key limes have become so popular in the worlds of baking and cocktail crafting.

Key Limes vs Limes 

Whether you're opting to make a key lime pie or you're crafting an expert cocktail, it's helpful to note the differences between key limes vs limes. 

As compared to your run-of-the-mill lime, a key lime is sure to provide an elevated sense of flavor. It's also going to award you a taste that is less tart and more floral than any of your standard limes. When it comes to using lime in your everyday life, it's safe to say that a key lime is well worth your time.

Check out our blog to learn more about all things citrus! Interested in trying fresh citrus or growing your own trees? Check out our fresh selection of citrus fruits, delivered straight to you from our citrus grove!

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Our Rio box is a 15-lb curated box of our fresh-harvested citrus from South Texas. The fruit is NOT gassed, rather it is tree-ripened. Our season runs from Nov-May for  oranges, grapefruit and mandarins.

Our Grande box is a 30-lb box of either fresh-harvested Rio Red Grapefruit or Sweet Oranges from South Texas.