Key lime substitution

Question

Am looking to make Key lime pie with fresh juice, not bottled. Key limes are currently out of season and unavailable in my area. Would appreciate suggestions on how to substitute with regular Persian limes. Have read 1/2 lime and 1/2 lemon juice.

petitbleu · Answer

Personally, I'm not convinced there is a huge difference between the flavor of key limes and Persian limes, at least once they're in a pie (don't skewer me for saying so). I use normal limes, and no one has complained ;)

nancy E. · Answer

I make key lime pie regularly with persian limes and still get rave reviews.  If you google this, you will see there is not much difference between the two.  hope you are also adding a generous amount of the grated zest.

mickle · Answer

I rarely use any bottled products; always fresh.  However,  The "Nellie and Joe's" brand key lime juice works when key limes are unavailable.

Lsia · Answer

Thank you all!

Pegeen · Answer

You might want to try half lime and half meyer lemon, which is a bit sweeter than regular lemon and will offset the "bite" of the Persian limes.

Tony Z. · Answer

I've been in the same boat.  I agree, anywhere from 1/2 lime and 1/2 lemon, to as suggested, 3/4 lime and 1/4 lemon.  I love making Key lime pie, and have never made one with bottled juice.  I have used key limes, and I personally like the flavor better when I use lemon &amp;amp; lime.

Jesse G. · Answer

I would try to aim closer to 3/4 lime and 1/4 lemon. My lemon meringue recipe uses almost half and half both juices and comes out with a strong lemon flavour, so I would try and use more lime.

Key lime substitution

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