just desserts: key lime pie

Mention the words Key lime and automatically thoughts are turned toward (a) pie and (b) Key West, Florida. Key lime pies and Key West, Florida are synonymous. As a matter of fact, on July 1, 2006 Key lime pie became Florida’s state pie. Key limes are also known as Mexican limes and West Indies limes. Originating in the Indo-Malayan region Key limes traveled by way of Arab traders North Africa and the Near East. Carried by the Crusaders to the Mediterranean regions of Europe and then, according to some accounts, Columbus brought the key lime to Hispaniola in the New World. The Key lime made its way to Florida along with the Spanish settlers. It flourished in the Florida Keys until a hurricane destroyed the groves. Today, most Key limes are grown in Mexico.  Key limes are much smaller (ping-pong to golf ball-sized) than Persian limes. They are nearly spherical,... Read the Rest →