Limes, the awesome, mysterious little green citrus! They can add such a boost of flavor to a normal meal, all while being super cheap and having a pretty good shelf-life. This post is all about how to select and store limes in order to be able to enjoy them to their fullest.
(This post is an excerpt from The Produce Nerd’s Grocery Guide. You can learn more about the Grocery Guide, which covers this information for 55 different produce items, with input from 26 crop-specific companies HERE.)
What to look for when picking the best quality limes?
- Firm, smooth peel and you want the skin color to be specific to the lime cultivar that you are buying.
Common issues to avoid when selecting limes?
- Blue/green mold
- Peel pitting caused by too cold of storage temperatures
How do I ripen limes at home?
- Since limes are non-climacteric, they do not continue ripening after they are harvested. So, although they may change firmness over time while being stored out on the counter, they are not becoming sweeter than when you purchased them at the grocery store.
What is the best way to store fresh limes at home?
- Fresh limes should be stored on the counter, as they are susceptible to chilling injury.
What is the best way to store cut limes?
- Cut limes should be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for no more than a few days.
What is the best way to store limes without plastic?
- You only need to use some sort of storage container with limes if they are cut limes. If you have cut limes and need to store them in the refrigerator, you can use a glass airtight container (like this one) to avoid storing them in a plastic container or in a plastic bag.
What is the best way to freeze lime juice?
- Pour lime juice into ice cube trays in order to maximize storage and to make it easier to use once it is frozen.
What is your favorite way to eat and prepare limes?
- Squirting limes on top of tacos!
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