Limes

How to Choose the Best

Look for smooth-skinned limes with a light to deep green color. Limes should be neither too firm nor too soft, but should yield to gentle pressure. Avoid limes that are very small, too soft or too hard, or appear wrinkled.

Shelf Life and Storage

Limes can be stored either at room temperature or in the refrigerator. Kept in the refrigerator, they can last approximately three weeks. Stored at room temperature, they last approximately two weeks. Store any cut limes in a zip-top plastic bag in the refrigerator.

Freezing

Properly stored lime juice can be frozen for up to six months.

Preparation Suggestions

Limes are essential in a variety of ethnic cuisines. Lime juice is used to make a variety of beverages, from limeade to margaritas, and is used in Latin dishes like ceviche. Try adding lime juice to a fresh tomato salsa or squeezing the juice over freshly grilled seafood. The juice is also a flavoring agent in many Asian dishes, such as pad thai, curries, salads or tom yum soup. In Thai cuisine especially, the use of kaffir lime leaves infuses dishes with the floral flavor of lime, while fresh lime juice adds acidity.