All About Lime juice
Your complete guide to lime juice - discover how to store it properly, identify when it's gone bad, and find the best substitutes for your recipes.
How Long Does Lime juice Last?
Storage times and freshness tips for lime juice 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.
Freshly Squeezed - Freezer4-6 months (optimal quality), safe indefinitely
Signs of Spoilage
Significant loss of vibrant flavor and aroma, development of off-flavors (though it won't typically 'spoil' in a harmful way if properly frozen), or signs of severe freezer burn (if not adequately sealed).
How to Check
After thawing, check the juice for its original bright aroma and taste. If it tastes bland, weak, or has an 'off' metallic flavor, its quality has degraded. Visually inspect for excessive ice crystals or discoloration indicating freezer burn.
Storage Tips
Freeze in ice cube trays for convenient portioning, then transfer the frozen cubes to a freezer-safe, airtight bag or container. Label with the date. Thaw in the refrigerator or use directly in recipes where it will be cooked or blended.
Commercially Bottled (Unopened) - PantryUp to the 'Best By' or 'Use By' date (typically 12-18 months from production), sometimes longer if stored properly.
Signs of Spoilage
Bulging or leaking bottle, unusual sediment or separation not typical for the brand, significant color change (e.g., very dark brown), or a foul/fermented odor when the bottle is eventually opened.
How to Check
Always check the 'Best By' or 'Use By' date on the bottle. Inspect the bottle for any signs of damage, swelling, or leaks. While unopened, it's rare for it to spoil before the date if stored correctly. If it looks or smells off upon opening, discard it.
Commercially Bottled (Opened) - Refrigerator3-6 months (quality may slowly degrade after 3 months)
Signs of Spoilage
Cloudiness, darkening of color, off-odors (sour, fermented, chemical-like), visible mold growth, or a yeasty film forming on the surface or around the cap.
How to Check
Visually inspect the juice for clarity, color changes, and any visible mold or film. Sniff the juice for any unusual or off-odors. If significant spoilage signs are present, do not taste. If only a slight 'off' aroma, a small taste test might reveal a 'flat' or 'off' flavor, in which case it should be discarded.
Storage Tips
Always replace the cap tightly after each use to prevent oxidation and the absorption of other refrigerator odors. Keep it stored consistently in the refrigerator. While it may remain safe for longer, its vibrant flavor quality diminishes over time, especially after 3 months.
Freshly Squeezed - Refrigerator3-5 days
Signs of Spoilage
Cloudiness or haziness, significant darkening of color (from pale yellow-green to brownish), off-odors (sour, yeasty, fermented, or pungent), visible mold growth on the surface or sides of the container.
How to Check
Visually inspect the juice for clarity and any changes in color. Sniff the juice for any unusual sour, pungent, or yeasty smells that were not present when fresh. If any of these signs are present, discard the juice. Do not taste if spoilage signs are evident.
Storage Tips
Store in a clean, airtight container (preferably glass) to minimize oxidation and prevent the absorption of other odors from the refrigerator. Straining the pulp can slightly extend its shelf life by removing solids where microbial growth might start.