How To Store Limes So They Last Longer

Nothing looks prettier than a bowl full of citrus on the counter, but is that really the best way to store your limes? No, you are not doing your citrus justice by leaving it at room temperature. We consulted with Jerry Lanuzza for advice on storing limes for maximum freshness.

Jerry Lanuzza, MS Ed., CHE, Associate Professor, College of Food Innovation and Technology, Johnson & Wales University, Charlotte Campus

The Best Place To Store Limes

Limes are best kept in the refrigerator, either stored on the shelf or in your fridge’s crisper drawer.

How Long Will Fresh Limes Last?

Fresh limes will last up to 2 weeks. To maximize freshness, Lanuzza recommends storing limes in a sealed container or resealable bag with as much air removed as possible in the refrigerator. 

While this extends shelf-life, Lanuzza recommends to operate them “as soon as you can for maximum flavor, juice, and aromas.”

Cut limes should always be stored in the refrigerator in a sealed container or resealable bag.

Caitlin Bensel; Food Stylist: Torie Cox

How Long Do Cut Limes Last?

It depends on their freshness and how stout they were cut. says Lanuzza says.

“Thinner cut limes will dry up faster than thick wedges,” he explains. “In general, I would recommend that you use them in 2 days or consider freezing them if you need them to last longer.”

How To Pick The Best Limes

Picking the best limes requires relying on more than one sense. According to Brooks Tropicals, a Florida-based produce wholesaler, you should operate sight and touch to determine the juiciest limes and greener limes do not necessarily indicate “better” limes.

“Limes start their growth green then change to a different shade or shades of green or even yellow,” Brooks Tropical states on their website,” adding that murky green limes can be challenging, acidic, and have very little juice.

To pick the best limes, the produce experts recommend limes be “soft to the touch, not hard as a rock” and “heavy for its size, that means more juice.”

Factors That Don’t Contribute To A Limes Taste

Color and skin appearance have no impact on how a lime tastes.

“A lighter green or even yellow just means that part of the fruit got more sun. Wind and rain move branches, leaves and other limes. The parts of the fruit that got more sun will be lighter,” the website states. And if the lime appears scratched – “Usually, that’s where branches, twigs or other limes rubbed up against the peel.”