All About Lime
Your complete guide to lime - discover how to store it properly, identify when it's gone bad, and find the best substitutes for your recipes.
How Long Does Lime Last?
Storage times and freshness tips for lime in different conditions.
Safety first: This guide provides general information. When in doubt, throw it out! Trust your senses and err on the side of caution. If something smells, looks, or tastes off, don't consume it.
Whole Limes at Room Temperature5-7 days
Signs of Spoilage
Skin becomes dull, hard, or shriveled; appearance of soft spots, dark blemishes, or mold (fuzzy white, green, or black patches).
How to Check
Visual inspection: Look for any discoloration, mold, or excessively dry/shriveled skin. Touch test: A good lime should feel firm and heavy for its size. If it feels unusually light, soft, or squishy, it's likely drying out or spoiling. Smell test: A fresh lime has a distinct citrus aroma; spoiled limes may develop an off, musty, or fermented smell.
Storage Tips
Store away from direct sunlight and heat, which can accelerate drying and spoilage. This method is best for limes you plan to use within a week.
Whole Limes in the Refrigerator2-4 weeks
Signs of Spoilage
Similar to room temperature spoilage, but slower: dulling of the skin, slight softening, eventually shriveling or mold growth. The skin might become slightly tacky.
How to Check
Visual inspection: Check for any signs of mold, dark spots, or excessive shriveling. Touch test: A good lime should remain firm. If it feels squishy, excessively soft, or has a slimy texture, it's past its prime. Smell test: A fresh, bright citrus scent is a good sign. Any off, sour, or moldy smell indicates spoilage.
Storage Tips
Store limes in a sealed plastic bag (like a zip-top bag) or the crisper drawer to maintain humidity and prevent them from drying out. This is the best method for extending the freshness of whole limes.
Cut Limes or Fresh Lime Juice in the Refrigerator2-3 days for cut limes; 4-5 days for fresh juice
Signs of Spoilage
Cut limes will dry out, harden, and potentially develop mold on the exposed flesh. Lime juice may become cloudy, develop an off-flavor, or show signs of fermentation (slight fizzing, yeasty smell).
How to Check
Visual inspection: For cut limes, look for discoloration (darkening or browning) on the cut surface, dryness, or mold. For juice, check for cloudiness, unusual separation, or visible mold. Smell test: Fresh lime juice smells bright and citrusy. If it smells sour, yeasty, or otherwise 'off', it's likely spoiled. Taste test (only if other signs are absent): If it tastes flat, overly bitter, or fermented, discard it.
Storage Tips
Store cut limes tightly wrapped in plastic wrap or in an airtight container. Store fresh lime juice in an airtight container or bottle to minimize air exposure. While still safe to consume after a few days, the flavor and vitamin content of lime juice will degrade over time.
Frozen Limes (Whole, Zest, or Juice)3-4 months for whole limes/juice; 6-12 months for zest
Signs of Spoilage
While freezing prevents microbial spoilage, quality can degrade over time. Whole frozen limes may become mushy upon thawing. Zest and juice may lose some of their vibrant flavor and aroma. Freezer burn (dry, discolored spots) can occur if not properly sealed.
How to Check
Visual inspection: Check for excessive freezer burn on whole limes or juice. Smell/Taste test (after thawing): The primary concern is flavor degradation. If the flavor is significantly dull or off-putting after thawing, it may be past its peak quality.
Storage Tips
To freeze whole limes: Wash, dry thoroughly, and place in a freezer-safe bag. The texture will be much softer after thawing, making them best for juicing rather than slicing. To freeze lime zest: Grate the zest and store in a small airtight container or freezer bag. To freeze lime juice: Pour into ice cube trays, freeze until solid, then transfer the cubes to a freezer-safe bag. This allows for convenient portioning.