While limes are not something that you would ever have as an afternoon snack, they are widely regarded for their ability to intensify the flavor of other foods. Lime are available throughout the year, but fresh limes are at their peak from May through October.

Dehydrated lime is the “zest” of the lime and is used as a tangy ingredient in a variety of rubs and marinades. Our dehydrated lime peel is sourced from a combination of Key limes, Mexican limes and West Indian limes (depending on the time of year). Our limes are grown in the US.

History

Limes found their way to the New World during Christopher Columbus’ second voyage in 1493, and limes were soon found growing throughout many Caribbean countries where the hot, humid climates proved ideal for growing this fruit.

Limes were introduced into the states in the 16th century when Spanish Explorers brought limes frown in the West Indies to the Florida Keys, where they were cultivated and became Key limes. In the 1600s, Spanish missionaries tried to grow limes in California, but the climate would not support their growth.

When and Where to Use

A key ingredient in South American and Middle Eastern styles of cooking, it is also found in the currently popular Pacific Rim cuisine, which melds the Caribbean, West coast and Asian flavoring styles.

Lime zest is also used in rice, salsa, vinaigrettes as well as in fish and chicken recipes. When substituting dried lime zest for fresh zest in any recipe, use a bit less as reconstituting tends to increase the size of the dehydrated zest. To reconstitute, cover with warm water and soak for 15 minutes and then pour off any remaining liquid.

We don’t recommend substituting dried lime peel in any recipe where the fresh lime zest is an essential part of the recipe. But we have found plenty of occasions when we want just a pinch of tart lime zest flavor, and that's why we like to keep some in our pantry.

Flavor Profile

Lime peel has a slightly sweet yet bitter taste, while the aroma is tart and sour.

Helpful Hints

In animal research and laboratory tests using human cells, compounds found in citrus fruits, including limes, have been found to help fight cancers of the breast, colon, lung, skin and stomach.

If you are a fan of citrus zests then be sure to check out our popular lemon zest and orange zest. Some of our most popular blends using lime zest include Adobo Lime Rub, Smoky Citrus Salt and Lime Pepper.

Some of our favorite recipes using Lime Zest include Spiced Chili Lime Walnuts, Pollo Pibil and Salsa Verde.

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