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Produce Briefs...
Ramps
The wild ramp, AKA wild leek, botanical name Allium tricoccum, is a flowering perennial plant that grows in clusters. It is a member of the Allium family along with onions and leeks
Calamondin Limes
The Calamondin lime is a cross between a sour, loose skinned mandarin and a kumquat, therefore technically making it an orangequat.
Salanova® Lettuces
Salanova® lettuce is a full-sized variety developed for the baby lettuce market. Botanically these varieties are scientifically known as Lactuca sativa.
Description/Taste
Key limes resemble common limes but are generally smaller and more rounded, roughly 3 to 5 centimeters in diameter. Their kelly green skin is often blushed with yellow, a sign of ripeness. The peel is thin and smooth, with the occasional bumpy texture. The rind is full of volatile oils, which can be released by zesting or scratching the surface of the rind. The segmented, seed-bearing flesh is known for its tart juice, with bitter undertones. The skin color, number of seeds, and size can vary depending on growing conditions.
Seasons/Availability
Key limes are available year-round, with a peak season from late summer into early winter.
Current Facts
Key limes are botanically members of Citrus aurantifolia. They are also referred to as Thorny lemon, Limon verde, and Mexican lime, depending on growing region. Key limes are most popularly known for their use in key lime pies, made in Key West, Florida.
Nutritional Value
Key limes are a great source of vitamin C, folate and potassium. The essential oils found in the rind of key limes, containing over 60 different volatile compounds, provide antibacterial, anti-fungal, anti-inflammatory, anti-parasitic, and antioxidant benefits. Research is being conducted on the anti-cancer benefits of Key limes.
Applications
Key limes add a tart flavor to sherbet, fruit punch, numerous beverages and cocktails, and is the star ingredient in key lime pie. Zest or juice Key limes to enhance salads, breads, soups, vegetables, relishes, and sauces. Citrus is a natural tenderizer for meats and is often used in marinades for this purpose. Key limes pair well with seafood and poultry and may be used as a garnish or in marinades. Key limes can be used in salsas or in ceviche, and can be used as a substitute for other lime varieties. They may also be used as a fragrant garnish or for display. Store Key limes at room temperature for better juicing quality. Refrigerate for extended storage, and keep cut Key limes refrigerated for up to a week.
Ethnic/Cultural Info
It is believed that Christopher Columbus was the first to bring Key limes to the New World. He brought seeds along with him on his second voyage to the Canary Islands, during the year 1493. Key limes were cultivated in the New World since that time.
Geography/History
Key limes are native to Asia and flourish in tropical and subtropical growing regions. They have been naturalized in several other regions outside of subtropical Asia, including South America, Mexico and Florida. The trees have not adapted to any other regions in America outside of Florida. In the western United States, Key limes sold in the general marketplace are from either Mexico or South America.
Featured Restaurants
Restaurants currently purchasing this product as an ingredient for their menu.
| Solterra Winery + Kitchen | Encinitas CA | 760-230-2970 |
| Brigantine Pt Loma | San Diego CA | 619-224-2871 |
| Leichtag Foundation | Encinitas CA | 760-230-6772 |
| Urban Solace | San Diego CA | 619-295-6464 |
| Little Lion | San Diego CA | 619-519-4079 |
| Flying Pig Pub & Kitchen | Oceanside CA | 619-990-0158 |
| Bagby Beer Company | Oceanside CA | 760-505-3445 |
| Solace & the Moonlight Lounge | Encinitas CA | 760-753-2433 |
| Exhale | Oceanside CA | 760-420-2098 |
| Olivewood Gardens and Learning Center | National City CA | 619-434-4281 |
| Rustic Root | San Diego CA | 619-232-1747 |
| Soda & Swine North Park | San Diego CA | 619-269-7632 |
| Shimbashi Izakaya | Del Mar CA | 858-523-0479 |
Recipe Ideas
Recipes that include Mexican Key Limes. One
is easiest, three is harder.Recently Spotted
People have spotted Mexican Key Limes using the Specialty Produce app for iPhone and Android.
Produce Spotting allows you to share your produce discoveries with your neighbors and the world! Is your market carrying green dragon apples? Is a chef doing things with shaved fennel that are out of this world? Pinpoint your location annonymously through the Specialty Produce App and let others know about unique flavors that are around them.
Little Italy Mercato
Bob Polito Family Farms
Near San Diego, California, United States1-760-749-1636 About 27 days ago, 12/22/18 Spotter's comments : Mexican Key Limes spotted at Little Italy Mercato. LIME Near Rancho Cordova, California, United States About 44 days ago, 12/04/18 
Specialty Produce
Near San Diego, California, United StatesAbout 45 days ago, 12/04/18 Spotter's comments : Mexican Key Limes spotted at Specialty Produce. Asian Food Center Near Shoreline, Washington, United States About 263 days ago, 4/30/18 Spotter's comments : Mexican Key Limes spotted at Asian Food Center. 
Dunedin Green Market
Near Dunedin, Florida, United StatesAbout 293 days ago, 3/31/18 Spotter's comments : Mexican Key Limes spotted at Dunedin Green Market. Dlorida key lime! 
Virginia Park Farmer's Market
Murray Family Farms
Near Santa Monica, California, United States661-330-0100 About 349 days ago, 2/03/18 Spotter's comments : Mexican Key Limes spotted at Virginia Park Farmer's Market. Ripe and sweet! |
