Persian Limes Delivery or Pickup

The Persian lime, also known as Tahiti lime, is an oval-shaped seedless citrus fruit about the same size as a lemon. It has light green or yellow pulp and a sharp tart flavor, making it perfect for adding some zest to your meal or a cold glass of water. No one quite knows where Persian limes were first cultivated. Historical records indicate that they were brought to the Mediterranean region from Persia, which is current-day Iran. They were then transported to Brazil by Portuguese traders and ended up in California in the mid to late 1800s. Today, Florida is the largest producer of Persian limes, growing approximately 90% of the nation's fruit.

Persian limes are believed to be a hybrid of the Mexican lime and citron, a large yellowish-green lemon. The trees of the Persian lime produce thick-skinned fruit, making this citrus fruit perfect for commercial use, as they are not easily bruised when shipped. You can find Persian limes at grocery stores, supermarkets, and farmers markets across the U.S. These limes make deliciously tart freshly squeezed juice. The juice can also be canned or produced as a frozen juice concentrate.

The Persian lime is ideal for any recipes that call for lime juice. It can also be used as a substitute for recipes that require the popular Key lime juice or lemon juice and any recipes that call for vinegar. Because the Persian lime produces a large quantity of lime juice, it's great for making lime marinades, guacamole, Margaritas, Mojitos, and limeade. You can also simply slice them up and add them to a cold glass of water rather than adding lemon.

Due to its tart and acidic nature, lime juice can also be utilized in other helpful ways. Coffee pots or tea kettles often become clogged with deposits from hard water. Lime juice can clean out these difficult-to-reach areas. It has also been used as a homeopathic remedy for relieving the effects of stinging coral.

Did you know that limes don't ripen on the tree? Limes must be picked and then stored to reach their ideal maturity. Limes that have not yet matured are dry and flavorless. Keep this in mind when picking out Persian limes at the grocery store.

Persian limes that are overripe or have gone bad are typically overly soft, have discoloration, are light brown in color rather than green, and are dry on the outside. 

The next time you need Persian limes for a recipe, let our helpful Instacart shoppers purchase them for you. No need to go to the grocery store! Simply open your Instacart app, add Persian limes to the shopping cart, choose your delivery time, and complete your purchase. It really is that simple!