Let’s clear up a few misconceptions about key limes. First, they’re different from regular limes in that they’re smaller, have more seeds, a stronger scent and a thinner rind. They are green when picked from the tree, but turn a shade of yellow when they’re ripe. So, if you happen to see a “Key Lime Pie” with green filling, beware! It’s quite possibly not the real McCoy.
That all being said, Floridians love their key limes – usually in pie form but not always served as slices on a plate. The Key West Key Lime Pie Co. is famous for their chocolate-covered frozen key lime pies on a stick. And the bartenders at Key West’s Sloppy Joe’s Bar will mix you a mean “key lime pie shooter” that some fans say tastes more authentic than the real pie.
If you can’t get enough of that famous flavor, here are eight key lime products you must try.
Key Lime Lip Balm
Taking care of your lips has never been so … delicious – can we say that? If your last visit to the Florida Keys has your lips smacking for more, then this is the product for you.
Key Lime Kitchen Curd
“Key Lime Kitchen Curd” – try saying that three times fast. It was hard enough to just type. Made of egg, milk and soy, it’s gluten-free and the perfect ingredient for desserts. “Scones” maybe aren’t a huge thing in Florida, but biscuits are – we’ll try it on that first!
Tortuga Key Lime Rum Cake
If you’ve never been to the Cayman Islands or tried Tortuga rum cake, please immediately put both on your bucket list. And then cross them off at the same time when you sample fresh rum cake straight from the Cayman bakery. I’m no cake fan, but a Tortuga rum cake is no ordinary cake. It’s super moist, full of flavor and will have you drooling the moment you smell it.
Florida Keys Salt Scrub
It’s possible you first saw this 12-ounce jar in any Key West restaurant restroom, where this common accessory gets rave reviews from patrons. Give your body a much-overdue exfoliating scrub with the added benefit of a key lime scent. If you’re adventurous and want to try the other scents, dive into coconut, lavender, mango coconut and plantation pineapple.
Byrd’s Key Lime Coolers
Wait … these aren’t made in Florida? (Googling it – stand by.) Nope! Savannah, Ga., is the home of Byrd’s Key Lime Coolers – what dark magic is this? In all fairness, Floridians like their key lime treats in pie or frozen form, so we’ll let Georgia claim the credit for these incredible cookies.
Stetson Caliber Cologne
Every holiday season, my mom puts a tiny bottle of cologne in my stocking. Quite often it’s Stetson – probably because it was one of my late father’s favorite scents. All I want for Christmas this year is this bottle of key lime cologne. Dad would approve.
Yankee Key Lime Pie Candle
Hmmm, the green coloring is suspicious but Yankee Candle has never let me down in the past, so we give this our “Floridian Stamp of Approval” (trademark pending). The only trouble is we fear the scent of key lime pie wafting around the home will only make us book a return trip to Key West even sooner. Then again, I have no problem with that.
Key Lime Pie Fish Oil
What’s the worst part of adding Omega-3 fish oil to your diet? The fish burps! Barlean’s swears those fishy belches are all gone with this key lime fish oil. Thanks to the key lime flavor, you can slurp this oil right off the spoon or even add it to ice cream, yogurt or smoothies. Good health never tasted so good.
