are high. In India most Key lime producers are small-scale farmers without access to such post-harvesting facilities, but makeshift expedients can be of value. One successful procedure is a coating of coconut oil that improves shelf life, thereby achieving a constant market supply of Key limes. Key limes are made into black lime by boiling them in brine and drying them. Black lime is a condiment commonly used in the Middle East. Yield The yield varies depending on the age of the trees. Five- to seven-year-old orchards may yield about 6 t/ha (2.7 tons/acre), with harvests increasing progressively until they stabilise at about 12–18 t/ha (5.4–8 tons/acre). Seedling trees take longer to attain their maximal harvest, but eventually out-yield grafted trees. Key Lime Festival The annual Key Lime Festival in Key West, Florida, has been held every year since 2002 over the Independence Day weekend and is a celebration of Key limes in food, drinks, and culture. References External links Citrus aurantiifolia (Christm.) Swingle United States Forest Service description Key Lime Tree History Characterization of limes (Citrus aurantifolia) grown in Bhutan and Indonesia using high-throughput sequencing Citrus Citrus hybrids Fruit trees Limes (fruit)