Key Limes Delivery or Pickup

Key limes are a hybrid fruit. They have a spherical shape and are smaller than the traditional limes you see in the store, with an average size ranging from 1 to 2 inches across. These limes are green when young but turn yellow when ripe. Key limes are not just smaller than regular limes; they also have more seeds, higher acidity, and a strong citrus aroma. The rind is also thinner than the regular lime.

Key limes are valued for their unique flavor and are sometimes referred to as Mexican limes or West Indian limes. Commercial growers in the Florida Keys were the primary growers until a hurricane in the 1920s wiped out many groves. After the hurricane, many farmers replaced the key lime trees with the larger, seedless Persian limes.

Key limes are still grown in the Keys, but there are not as many producers. They are also grown in many other parts of Florida, California, and Mexico. They grow in the U.S. from June to September, but they grow all year round in Mexico. Since the thin skin doesn't ship well, the short U.S. season is what makes fresh key lime pie in the summertime so special.

To choose a ripe key lime, look for a yellowish skin. It should be unblemished and free from soft spots. Key limes stop ripening as soon as they are picked, so they won't become ripe after you get it home if it is still very green. Choose key limes that are heavy for their size, and they should be firm but not hard. The heavier the lime, the more juice it will have.

Since key limes are smaller and more expensive than regular Persian lime, they are often sold in pre-measured bags. Since you can't choose the individual limes this way, look for bags that feel heavy, and peek inside to make sure they have a yellowish skin.

Shop for key limes using the Instacart app and have a shopper deliver them right to your door. With delivery available in as little as 2 hours, you can get started on juicing the limes for dessert tonight!

Since key limes are smaller than regular Persian limes, it takes more work to get the juice you need for many recipes, but it is well worth it.

Key lime pie is a summer staple in many Florida areas and one of the most common uses for key limes. There is no preparation needed to use key limes. Just make sure the limes are clean. Some people believe that it's necessary to roll the lime prior to juicing, but this is not actually the case. You'll get the same amount of juice whether you roll it or not.

You can use a zester to remove the zest of key limes. The zest has tons of flavor and is perfect for marinades, as a garnish, in your key lime pie, and any other recipe that calls for lime zest.

The tangy flavor of key limes is delicious in sweet and savory dishes. You can use it in:

Key limes are delicious with raspberries, coconut, and blueberries. The limes can be very tart on their own, but pairing them with rich coconut is a perfect combination.