All About Limes
Your complete guide to limes - discover how to store it properly, identify when it's gone bad, and find the best substitutes for your recipes.
How Long Does Limes Last?
Storage times and freshness tips for limes 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.
Cut Limes in the Refrigerator2-3 days
Signs of Spoilage
Drying out of the cut surface, browning or darkening of the flesh, sliminess, a sour or fermented odor, and eventually mold growth.
How to Check
Visually inspect the cut surface. It should still look moist and bright. If it's dry, discolored, or slimy, it's not good. Smell the lime for any off-odors; a fresh lime scent should still be present. If it smells overly sour, alcoholic, or unpleasant, discard it.
Storage Tips
To preserve freshness, wrap cut limes tightly in plastic wrap or place them in an airtight container before refrigerating. This prevents them from drying out and absorbing odors from other foods in the fridge. For best quality, use cut limes as soon as possible.
Lime Juice/Zest in the Freezer3-4 months (for best quality); safe indefinitely but quality degrades
Signs of Spoilage
For juice: significant loss of flavor, freezer burn (if not properly sealed), cloudiness. For zest: freezer burn, loss of aroma and flavor, clumping. While not typically 'spoiled' in a hazardous way, quality diminishes.
How to Check
Visually inspect for excessive freezer burn on zest or juice. Smell for a lack of fresh lime aroma. A taste test (if safe to do so) will reveal if the flavor has become bland or off. If the juice or zest has an unpleasant taste or smell, it's best to discard for quality reasons.
Storage Tips
To freeze lime juice, pour it into ice cube trays, freeze until solid, then transfer the cubes to a freezer-safe bag or airtight container. For zest, spread it in a single layer on parchment paper, freeze, then transfer to an airtight container or freezer bag. Label with the date. Freezing is excellent for preserving the flavor of limes for cooking and beverages.
Whole Limes at Room Temperature5-7 days
Signs of Spoilage
Loss of vibrant green color, dullness, hardening, shriveling, development of soft spots, mold growth (white, blue, or green fuzzy patches).
How to Check
Visually inspect for any discoloration, shriveling, or mold. Gently squeeze the lime; it should feel firm but slightly yielding. If it's rock hard or mushy, it's likely past its prime. A healthy lime has a fresh, citrusy aroma; an off or fermented smell indicates spoilage.
Storage Tips
Store away from direct sunlight and heat, which can accelerate drying and spoilage. Do not store in a sealed container, as this can trap moisture and promote mold growth.
Whole Limes in the Refrigerator2-4 weeks
Signs of Spoilage
Similar to room temperature spoilage but occurring more slowly: significant dullness, hardening, severe shriveling, dark spots, soft or mushy areas, and eventually mold growth.
How to Check
Visually check for any changes in color, texture, or the presence of mold. Feel the lime for firmness; it should still have some give. If it feels like a hard rock or is overly soft and squishy, it's time to discard. A strong, sour, or fermented odor is also a clear sign of spoilage.
Storage Tips
Store limes in the crisper drawer of your refrigerator, preferably in a mesh bag or loosely in a plastic bag. This helps maintain humidity and prevents them from drying out too quickly. Avoid storing them in a sealed airtight container, as excess moisture can encourage mold.