Oxford Dictionaries:
Key lime
NOUN
A small yellowish lime with a sharp flavour.
Origin
Named after the Florida Keys.
key lime
noun, often capitalized K
Definition of key lime
: a small aromatic lime
Origin and Etymology of key lime
Florida Keys
First Known Use: 1905
Citrus ×aurantiifolia (Christm.) Swingle (pro sp.) [medica × sp.]
key lime
The Key lime (Citrus × aurantiifolia) is a citrus hybrid (C. micrantha x C. medica) with a globose (spherical shaped) fruit, 2.5–5 cm (0.98–1.97 in) in diameter, that is yellow when ripe but usually picked green commercially.
It is smaller and seedier, with a higher acidity, a stronger aroma, and a thinner rind, than that of the Persian lime (Citrus × latifolia). It is valued for its unique flavor compared to other limes. The name comes from its association with the Florida Keys, where it is best known as the flavoring ingredient in Key lime pie.
Citrus aurantiifolia, key lime (also known as Mexican or West Indian lime), is a thorny shrub or small tree in the Rutaceae (citrus family) that originated in southeast Asia, likely Indonesia and Malaysia, and is cultivated in tropical areas from the West Indies and Central and South America to India, China, and parts of Africa for its flavorful fruit.
Citrus aurantifolia Swingle
[…]
Mexican Lime
Mexican Lime, Key Lime (Citrus × aurantiifolia)
[…]
The lime for beers and pies, the Mexican Lime is a favorite among ‘foodies’ everywhere. The fruit is juicy and plump, about an inch and a half to two in diameter, with a great balanced flavor. The semi-dwarf trees fruit prolifically and the blooms provide a nice sweet citrus aroma. Sometimes sold as West Indian Lime.
Citrus aurantiifolia West Indian Lime
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Echte Limette (Citrus × aurantiifolia)
Echte Limette
(Citrus aurantiifolia)
[…]
Synonyme:
Mexikanische Limette, Saure Limette
Für Cocktails wie Caipirinha wird regelmäßig die Saure Limette (Citrus aurantiifolia) verwendet.
Die Echte Limette (Citrus × aurantiifolia), auch Saure Limette oder Mexikanische Limette genannt, ist eine Pflanzenart aus der Gattung der Zitruspflanzen in der Familie der Rautengewächse (Rutaceae).
Mexikanische Limette, Citrus aurantiifolia, Pflanze
