Fruit
Citrus aurantiifolia
A tier
Citrus aurantiifolia is the true Key/Mexican lime species—small, seedy, highly aromatic, with sharp acid and distinctive floral-peel perfume that defines many tropical and cocktail uses. Thinner rind and more intense aroma than large Persian limes. Trees are cold-sensitive. Squeeze for ceviche, guacamole, daiquiris, and Southeast Asian dressings. Zest is potent—use less than Persian by volume. Bottled “lime” rarely matches fresh aurantiifolia aroma.
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Characteristics
Preparations
Traits
Grading systems
Grades are placed along a shared scale so systems can be compared side by side.
History
Spanish and Portuguese trade spread small acid limes through the Caribbean and tropics.
Florida Keys culture tied C. aurantiifolia to Key lime pie fame.
True Key/Mexican limes remained aroma benchmarks versus larger Tahiti limes.