This key lime gummy recipe layers two kinds of citrus into one bright, tangy gummy. The base is LĒVO's Key Lime Pie Gummy Mix, sweet and tart with a creamy key lime edge. The infusion is lemon peel infused in MCT oil, which adds a second, more aromatic citrus note on top. The result tastes like key lime pie with a fresh squeeze of lemon over it. Here's how to make it.
Key Lime vs. Regular Lime: What's the Difference?
Key lime isn't the same as the regular lime in most grocery stores. Key limes are smaller, more aromatic, and more tart, with a floral quality that gives key lime pie its signature flavor. LĒVO's Key Lime Pie Gummy Mix captures the dessert version of that: tangy citrus rounded out with a sweet, creamy finish, so the gummy tastes like the pie rather than a straight lime candy. That sweeter, rounder base is also what makes it such a good partner for a sharper citrus like lemon.
Why Add Lemon Infused Oil to Gummies?
The lemon here comes from the peel, not the juice, and that choice matters. Most of a citrus fruit's aromatic oils live in the peel, so infusing peel into oil captures the bright citrus aroma without the sharpness of juice. It also keeps the recipe simple, since the flavor comes through the oil rather than extra liquid. Layered over the key lime base, the lemon peel adds lift and freshness, turning a single-note citrus gummy into something with more depth.
Choosing and Prepping Your Lemon Peels
A little care with the peels makes a difference.Because you're using only the peel, start with organic lemons if you can find them, and wash them thoroughly before infusing. Use a vegetable peeler or a zester to take off the yellow outer layer in strips, and leave the white pith underneath behind. The pith is bitter, and too much of it works against the clean citrus flavor you want. Peel the lemons just before you infuse, since fresh peels give the brightest aroma.
How to Infuse Citrus Peel into MCT Oil
Citrus peel infuses quickly and at a low temperature. LĒVO's MCT oil is flavorless and colorless, so it carries the lemon without adding a taste of its own. Add the peels and oil to your LĒVO, run a short, gentle infuse cycle, then dispense. Low heat matters with citrus peel, since too much can turn the bright aroma dull or bitter.
The recipe below uses 165°F for one hour, enough to pull the oils while keeping the freshness intact. LĒVO's Time & Temp Calculator gives you the recommended settings for any herb, peel, or botanical, so you can find the right time and temperature for whatever you're infusing.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does key lime taste like?
More tart and aromatic than a regular lime, with a floral edge. It's the flavor behind key lime pie, which is why it reads as bright and a little dessert-like rather than sharply sour.
Can you infuse citrus peel into oil?
Yes. The peel holds most of the fruit's aromatic oils, so a short, low-temperature infusion captures bright citrus flavor. Strain the peel out once the cycle finishes.
What pairs well with key lime?
Other citrus like lemon and lime layer naturally, as they do here. Coconut, vanilla, and berry flavors also complement key lime's tart, creamy profile.
Leave a comment
All comments are moderated before being published.
This site is protected by hCaptcha and the hCaptcha Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.