Key Lime

Origin: Reunion Island, France

Description: The Key lime, named ‘’Citron Galet’’ in Reunion Island, originally comes from South East Asia. It takes its English name from the American Keys archipelago located in Florida. It was probably introduced in Reunion Island, before the presence of Europeans, by sailors from Southern India or even from Java, Indonesia.Measuring between 2.5 and 5 cm in diameter, the Key lime is picked green and gradually become pale yellow at maturity. Pulp is greenish yellow and it is grown all year long following flowering cycles. Key lime tastes tangy, sweet, slightly iodized but not spicy.

Nutrition: Like its citrus siblings, Key lime is excellent source of vitamin C and a proven antiseptic - antimicrobial agent. On top of containing calcium and sodium, the Key lime also contains phosphorus, copper and manganese which enhance the action of vitamins, promote oxidative reductions and stimulate heart and neurons.

How to use: In Reunion Island, the juice and zest of key lime are used to make ti-punchs, local cocktails. Key limes are used squeezed and mixed with water to get flowery refreshing drinks. They may also be used over steamed fish and as ingredient of the famous Key lime pie.

How to store: Like other limes and lemons, it is better stored in the crisper compartment where humidity maintains its freshness. Key limes can be stored up to 3 weeks in these conditions.