key lime

Thân thiện

A baker squeezes a fresh key lime over a pie filling.

Definition

1. Noun:
   • A specific variety of lime: A "key lime" is a type of lime (Citrus × aurantiifolia) known for its small size, round shape, thin rind, and distinctive, highly aromatic, tart flavor. It is typically yellow-green when ripe, not dark green.

Usage

• The term "key lime" is used to specify this particular citrus fruit, especially in culinary contexts to distinguish it from the more common Persian lime.
• It is most famously used in the dessert Key lime pie, where its unique juice is a critical ingredient.

Examples

• Noun:
  • The recipe calls for the juice of fresh key limes, as they are more tart than regular limes.
  • She bought a bag of key limes from the market to make her famous pie.
  • The tree in their yard produces an abundance of small, aromatic key limes.

Advanced Usage

• The term is often used attributively (like an adjective) to describe dishes or products made with this fruit.
  • He ordered the key lime sorbet for dessert.
  • This key lime scented candle smells incredibly authentic.

Variants and Related Words

• Key lime pie (n): A classic American dessert pie made with key lime juice, egg yolks, and sweetened condensed milk in a crumb crust.
• Persian lime (n): The common, larger, seedless lime variety found in most supermarkets, often contrasted with the key lime.

Synonyms

• Mexican lime
• West Indian lime

Related Phrases/Compounds

• Key lime juice: The extracted juice from key limes, a crucial ingredient.
• Key lime tree: The tree () that bears key limes.

Học thuật

Noun

1. small yellow-green limes of southern Florida