Lime pellets can be used in preparing asphalt compositions. The pellets are characterized as having a substantially rigid structure with a dimension greater than about 1.5 mm and being compatible with a hot mix asphalt so as to dissolve in liquid asphalt. The pellets condition an end product of asphalt pavement by being dissolved into a hot mix asphalt composition during the manufacture of such an asphalt. The method of conditioning includes providing the lime pellets, and mixing the lime pellets with a hot mix asphalt ingredient, wherein the ingredient is at least one of an aggregate or asphalt cement. The asphalt and lime pellets are heated to a temperature sufficient for the lime pellets to be dissolved.