How to store limes

The best way to store lime is in the refrigerator in the crisper drawer if you have one. For the longest storage, you want to put them in an airtight bag like a Ziploc. Keeping them in an airtight bag is going to slow down the process of the moisture leaving the lime.

How to store limes in the refrigerator

Storing limes in the refrigerator is the most common way and the most accessible way to store your limes.

For the longest storage of your limes, it is important not to slice them up. When you slice the lime it will lose moisture a lot quicker and it will dry up.

We’re going to cover a few simple steps to store your limes in the refrigerator.

Step 1. Wash the Limes

It is a really good idea to wash limes before you store them. Limes are one of the dirtiest fruits that you can buy. They go a long way during transport and they can carry all kinds of bacteria, pesticides, herbicides, etc.

I like to give them a good scrub under cold water. If you have a fruit or vegetable spray then go ahead and use that. I use a very mild organic soap that is safe to wash vegetables and fruit with.

After you give your limes a good wash it’s really important that you get them dry before you store them in the refrigerator. You can do this by letting them air dry or wiping them with a towel.

You really want to do this with all of your citrus fruits and it is really important if you are making lime zest.

Step 2. Put in a storage container

The best thing to do before you put them in the refrigerator is to store them in an airtight storage container.

If you have a lot of limes a freezer-lock Ziploc bag works the best. If you’re only storing a few limes then a Ziploc sandwich bag will work just as well.

The reason we are storing them in bags is to allow the smallest amount of air around the fruit. The more open air around the lime the faster it is going to dry out.

Now if you have one of those fancy vacuum sealers this is also a great way to store your limes in the refrigerator.

If you’re wondering how to store kumquats, a delightful small citrus fruit, I’ve covered helpful guidelines in my comprehensive post on storing limes, which can be easily applied to kumquats as well. Feel free to check it out for detailed instructions.

Tips for storing limes

How to store limes in the freezer

Step 1. Wash

Before you go ahead and freeze your limes you’re going to want to wash them.

Wash them under cold water with a vegetable or fruit wash if you have it or I like to use an organic soap that is mild enough to wash fruits and vegetables with.

Now, the soap I use says that it is designed for this so you want to check the label before using your soap.

It is really important after you wash the limes to let them dry thoroughly before you freeze them. This can be done with a towel or air drying.

Step 2. Freeze individually

It is a good idea to freeze your limes individually. What you want to do is grab a big cookie sheet or something that is going to fit in your freezer.

Add all the limes to this sheet or container without them touching one another. Then go ahead and put them in the freezer.

After the limes are frozen you going to want to pull them out of the freezer and get them ready for storage.

A big benefit of this is that they will be easier to pull out one at a time and use them as needed.

Learn how to tell if your limes are ripe so that you can ensure that you aren’t storing limes that won’t be good when you go to use them.

Step 3. Storage Container

Now, that we’ve washed them and frozen them individually, we can go ahead and freeze them for long-term storage.

This is best done in a Ziploc freezer bag or if you have one of those vacuum sealer bags you can use that also.

The goal is when you put them in the bag to get as much air out as possible before you put them in the freezer.

Freezer vs. Refrigerator for storing limes

Pros and Cons	Freezer	Refrigerator
Easily accessible	No	Yes
storage 1- 4 weeks	Yes	Yes
storage 1- 24 weeks	Yes	No
can be stored sliced	Yes	No
can be stored in wedges	Yes	No

Conclusion

Proper storage is essential to maintain the freshness and flavor of limes. Remember to refrigerate limes for longer shelf life, freeze their juice for extended use, and keep cut limes tightly wrapped. By following these guidelines, you can enjoy the zesty goodness of limes in various culinary creations or refreshing beverages.