Click to copy

Sweet! Florida man wins July 4 key lime pie-eating contest

July 4, 2019 GMT

1 of 3

In this photo provided by the Florida Keys News Bureau, contestants in the Mile-High Key Lime Pie Eatin' Contest race to consume a 9-inch pie Thursday, July 4, 2019, in Key West, Fla. The competition, billed as a sweeter alternative to New York's July 4th hotdog-eating clash, was won by Key Wester David Johnson who finished in 58.2 seconds. The event kicked off Key West's Key Lime Festival that continues through Sunday, July 7. (Rob O'Neal/Florida Keys News Bureau via AP)

1 of 3

KEY WEST, Fla. (AP) — A Key West man has won the Mile-High Key Lime Pie Eatin’ Contest on the subtropical island where the pie originated.

David Johnson plunged face-first into a 9-inch (23-centimeter) pie smothered with whipped cream during Thursday’s challenge. The rules forbid contestants from using their hands.

He consumed it in 58.2 seconds, besting 24 rivals in the kickoff of the annual Key Lime Festival.

Key lime pie was designated Florida’s official pie in 2006 by the state legislature. Ingredients are condensed milk, egg yolks and the juice of tiny yellow Key limes, typically with a graham cracker crust and whipped cream or meringue topping.

The festival ends Sunday after events including tasting strolls and an offbeat Key Lime Pie Drop.