Key West the Best for Sunshine and Key Lime Pie
Enjoying Key Lime Pie in the Dessert's Home Town
Key West may be the birthplace of Key Lime pie, but a drive down the Florida Keys reveals that from Key Largo to Key West, restaurants, cafes and roadside diners have all created their own versions of the popular desert.
For holidaymakers with a sweet tooth and the time for a leisurely drive, there’s a lot to be said for trying pies along the way and enjoying the various interpretations.
Tourists Spoilt for Key Lime Pie Choice
Key West has a lot to offer tourists, with its balmy weather, crystal blue skies, stunning sunsets, and architectural treasures. From sipping margaritas at sunset to snorkelling on coral reefs, wandering through the Old Town lanes, or braving the ghost tours at night, there's something for everyone.
But with almost every restaurant in the Florida Keys selling Key Lime Pie, it’s little wonder the tourists who step off cruise ships at Key West with only hours to spare dedicate some of their precious time to enjoying the dessert in its home town.
There’s also an opportunity to try Fried Key Lime Pie, Key Lime Milkshakes, Key Lime Cocktails, Key Lime Cookies and a variety of other Key Lime beverages or culinary creations.
Some of the more popular places to tuck in include Blond Giraffe with its award winning Key Lime pies and Kermit's Key West Lime Shoppe which sells a wide variety of Key Lime products, right down to Key Lime shampoo.
Should Key Lime Pie be Green?
The first Key Lime pie is believed to have originated in Key West in the 1850s. Settlers had limited access to fresh milk at the time, so when sweetened condensed milk came to Key West, settlers combined the new product with lime juice and eggs and the classic pie was born.
There are some aspects of Key Lime Pie recipes that can have people arguing until the condensed milk cows come home. Should it be made with a pastry or Graham Cracker crust? Is meringue the perfect finish or an abomination? Should the filling be cooked or uncooked?
Key Lime aficionados can get hot under the collar as they debate such questions. One thing they all agree on though is that key lime pie should not be green. An authentic Key Lime Pie filling is a light yellow, and should stay that way. Food colouring should never be added.
While 1965 legislation calling for a $100 fine for anyone advertising Key Lime Pie that is not made with key limes did not pass, Florida has thrown its support behind the pie in another way.
In 2006 Key Lime Pie became the official state pie of Florida.
Key West Southernmost House
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Key West at Sunset a Favourite with Tourists
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Conch Train at Key West, Florida
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Blond Giraffe Key Lime Pie Factory
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Blond Giraffe Key Lime Pie
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