The key lime is a staple of the many culinary delights that originate from Key West, the most famed of which is the Key Lime Pie. The key lime is also a great ingredient for marinades and adds zest to seafood and poultry.

Originally from southeast Asia, the key lime traces its introduction through the Middle East to North Africa and on to Sicily. It was brought to the Keys and other tropical paradises via Spanish explorers. The tropical climate of the Keys provided a perfect environment for the lime to grow.

The Key Lime’s scientific name is Citrus aurantifoliabut is also known as the Mexican lime, West Indies lime, or Bartender’s lime. It is 2.5 to 5 centimeters in diameter and is yellow when ripe, but is green when commercially harvested. Today, the key lime is also grown in Texas, California, Mexico, and across Central America.

One identifying feature that separates a key lime tree from other lime trees is that they possess large thorns. The trees need as much sunlight as possible and cannot be exposed to too much cold. The soil in the Keys was perfect for this tree but over time, saltwater intrusion and flooding has caused the frequent problem of salt damage.

The Key Lime pie is one of the more delicious uses for the lime. These pies do not even require baking since the high-acidic content of the lime cooks the pie itself but it is agreed that baking the pie improves taste and texture. Many recipes only require mixing egg yolks, milk, vanilla extract, and key lime juice and then pouring into a graham cracker crust and refrigerating for four hours.

Marinades with key lime juice are also great for chicken, pork, and fish. If you have visited the Keys, you have no doubt experienced the flavor the key lime inspires. Located on or near Duval Street, blocks from the Tropical Inn Bed & Breakfast , mainstays such as Sloppy Joe’s and Hog’s Breath Saloon serve up various dishes with key lime that have been traditions for decades in “The Conch Republic”.

It’s that time of year once again to take a week to kick back from classes and studying. Key West is not ordinarily thought of as a premier Spring Break destination but independence and diversity make America’s only Caribbean island a place to “live and let live” according to TripSmarter, an excellent travel resource.

One big Spring break benefit of Key West is the weather. Many other popular coastal destinations such as Panama City, Destin, and Daytona Beach experience cold snaps in March that can put a chill in any water activities. Not so in Key West where you can enjoy swimming, snorkeling, diving, and parasailing with your friends and not worry about a sudden cold front dropping in from the north.

Key West also has a bustling night scene around Duval Street, the only roadway to span from the Atlantic Ocean to the Gulf of Mexico. Along Duval, bars are open until 4:00 AM and most have no cover charges.

Key West bed and breakfast: The Tropical Inn, nestled away in a private compound halfway along Duval Street, is an exquisite and convenient place to spend spring break or any other time of the year in Key West.  Check out their property map and view the deluxe accommodations.

Key West maybe a care-free place but it all comes with responsibility. Cabs are readily available and not very expensive due to the close proximity of things. The natives thrive on visitors but also are proud of where they live and want people to blend in, not stand out.

Bargain Hunters, Key West welcomes you to the 12th Annual Gigantic Flea Market is set for Saturday and Sunday, Feb. 24-25, at Founders Park, mile marker 87 bayside on Plantation Key.
Relax, shop, and bargain at Florida’s second larget open air flea market. Get everything from sports items like fishing poles to home decor and “unusual” items at the annual Key West’s Gigantic Flea Market. Admission is free.

Flea market hours are 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday and 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Sunday.

For more information, visit www.giganticnauticalfleamarket.org or call (305) 453-3802