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When Are Key Limes Ripe?
When Are Key Limes Ripe?. Key limes, also known as Mexican limes, are small citrus fruits best known for their use in making key lime pie. A key lime's characteristic tart flavor will be most prominent when the lime is ripe.
Key limes, also known as Mexican limes, are small citrus fruits best known for their use in making key lime pie. A key lime's characteristic tart flavor will be most prominent when the lime is ripe.
Color
Key limes are ripe when their rind is yellow. According to Texas A&M University, the lime will be juicy and flavorful if it is picked when the rind is yellow. This is in contrast to Tahiti or Persian limes, which are commonly sold in grocery stores and are best while their rind is still slightly green.
Time Frame
Because key lime trees are tropical plants, they can produce a harvest year round. However, the biggest harvest of key limes typically occurs during the summer, especially in climates in the United States where winter temperatures are significantly lower than summer temperatures.
Considerations
Key limes for commercial sale are often picked when they are light green rather than yellow. The lime continues lightening in color for a couple weeks after it is picked, so this practice helps the limes to have a longer shelf life.
