Freshly squeezed key limes in limeade dispel the wintry gloom.
It’s always cold every winter in Kansas, but we usually get a lot of sunshine, which is cheerful even when you’re freezing. This year it’s been cloudy almost every day. I was hoping for a break from gloom when I went to southern California in mid-January, but it rained there, too. I did get some sunny days, too, so I’ll stop whining. While there, my daughter and I visited long-time friends Jan and Richard. Their yard is a small orchard of citrus trees — Meyer lemon, key lime and blood orange. Some years their harvest is so huge they don’t know what to do with it all, partly because everyone with tree is experiencing a boon year, too.
I was happy to take a few pounds of their key limes off their hands, which I hauled home to snow-covered Kansas.
Key limes ready for squeezing.
When I visited them in January, we squeezed a lot of key limes to make this refreshing limeade. They use a sugar syrup to sweeten it. The recipe for that syrup is in the link below to Richard’s sangria. They have a handy citrus squeezer, which made the job go quickly. I bought one when I got home, although I don’t know when I’ll use it again. Click for the sugar syrup recipe, as well as a tasty Sangria Recipe.
Key limes.
This key lime tree is loaded with fruit.
All photographs are of Jan and Richard’s key limes.
Catherine Sherman 
Limeade? That actually sounds pretty good. I don’t think in all my travels I’ve ever had that. I’ll have to give it a try. And unless I miss my guess the sweetener you described sounds a lot like simple syrup that I make occasionally, usually for use in adult beverages.
I’ll go check that sangria recipe. I happen to know someone who will be very appreciative if I make some. 🙂
All of your pictures are so beautiful. What a delicious way to enjoy your friend’s bounty. Thanks for sharing!
LikeLike
That Mexican aka Key Lime tree was given to me for Christmas one year by my husband. It cost $17, but is “the little engine that could” of citrus trees.
Having grown up in the Midwest, I can’t stand wasting fruit, so for the first few years we gorged on Key Lime pies and put wedges of limes in Coronas. At one point we had a freezer full of the squeezed juice. Now I take in a box a week in for the parents at my school. Who knew that gold grew on trees?
LikeLike
I love a little Key Lime pie…. particularly if I’m in the Keys.
Our winter has been plenty gloomy here, too. Of course, gloomy is the general state of winter here, so I’m not surprised. Still, it’s hard to find motivation when every single day is exactly the same, and that sameness is cold, damp, and gloomy. I fight it every year.
LikeLike
What a coincidence! We just made vegan key lime pie last night for dinner. This sangria would have been a nice drink to accompany dinner. I can’t wait to try it!
LikeLike
Mmm. Sounds good – especially in February in Montana. Maybe I’ll make some this weekend.
LikeLike
Where did you get that bird bath/fountain?!?! I love that style. Must. Have. One.
LikeLike