Learning how to freeze limes is a great way to preserve this wonderful citrus fruit. They last a long time and are ideal for ceviche, salsas, and more yummy recipes.
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Frozen limes or lemons are ideal for juicing and making Mexican recipes like ceviche de pescado and aguachile verde.
If you have a tree that produces a lot of this yummy citrus or didn’t use up all the limes in your fridge, I invite you to try this frozen method.
Here’s how to freeze limes …
The optimal way to preserve this wonderful citrus fruit: freeze the lime juice. Second best way: Freeze them whole.
- Wash the limes under cold water.
- Be sure to rub them gently with your hands to remove any debris.
Limes grow on a tree. They were hanging outside and might accumulate dirt.
Soap is not necessary. A gentle rub will remove any dirt.
Limes are usually in season from May to October. There are areas that have a longer growing season like Mexico and Central America, or they are grown in greenhouses.
That is why you are able to find them all year round.
Table of Contents
When should I pick my limes?
Squeeze them! If they have a slight give when you squeeze them gently, then they are ready to pick. If it’s hard, it’s not ready, and it won’t be juicy.
- Place them in a freezer bag.
- Remove as much air as possible.
Be sure to label the bag with the content and date. That way, you know how long they have been in the freezer.
Freezing limes is the perfect way to store this yummy fruit. Plus, it lasts for a long time.
How long do they last frozen?
In the freezer, limes and lemons will last up to 3-4 months in a plastic bag with the air removed.
In the fridge, limes and lemons last 3-4 weeks.
Third way
How to Freeze Limes in Wedges:
- Place them in a sealable freezer bag.
- Remove as much of the air from the bag as possible.
Notice how these are cut in quarters. Do not freeze pieces smaller than this or they will be too mushy when defrosted and hard to use.
This method is not the optimal way to freeze limes. They will collect freezer burn more than if they were stored whole. However, in a pinch, this is how to do it.
Once the lime wedge is thawed, you will need to use it immediately, or it will get mushy.
It’s great to grate!
It’s incredibly easy to grate lime zest off of frozen limes.
Basically, it is the same thing as a normal lime. Grab a grater and shave off the rind.
You can even freeze the zest, and it keeps forever.
It’s the same way freeze key limes. Which later can be used in recipes like Carlota de Limon, in marinades for Chicken Torta, or even added to make jugo verde.
How to Thaw
- The quickest way is to pop it in the microwave for 10 seconds.
- Then continue to defrost every 10 seconds until it no longer looks frozen. You are simply trying to start the thawing.
- Leave it on the kitchen counter for 15 minutes after microwaving.
If it is still frozen, run under warm water for 1 minute. It should be ready and perfect for Ceviche de Camarón, Atun a la Veracruzana, Salpicon de Pollo, and more.
After you have thawed out the limes, they become mushy. Best to use it right away. The longer they sit, the mushier they get. They are NOT for garnish.
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I hate wasting any food, especially if I grow it. Knowing that I can freeze limes means I can pick fruit in bigger supplies and have it handy for when I need it. Loving all of these tips!
I’m right there with you. I hate wasting food too!
WOW! Interesting. I never thought about freezing limes. This is great to know.
I know! I someone do it years ago, and I’ve been doing it ever since. 🙂
Wow, this article is informational about maximizing lime. Lime is something that is valuable to Mex cuisine
It really is!
I definitely need to pick up some freezer bags. I have a ton of limes that I thought I’d be using sooner but finally, won’t be.
Freeze them! You won’t regret it. 🙂
These are great tips! I’ve never freezed limes, but I have a lot of them sometimes and I should!
Glad you liked these tips!
This is such a great way to preserve limes. I am definitely going to do this at home. Perfect for my recipes and this would really save my time.
Yes! Try it. Perfect for your recipes.
Wow lime can be freeze? I just usually out them in the freezer I didn’t know they have a method. That’s why they get rot easily. Now I know how to get them frozen.
These tips are the best!
I didn’t know that I can freeze limes. Just thinking of how many limes I just waste. This is really helpful. Now I know how to freeze limes and can use them again when needed.
Glad you find this useful
This is very interesting I have not frozen limes before but have purchases frozen oranges from the farmers when they get affected by the frost here in Florida and what I do is I make juice and then I frozen in ice cube trays. Works like a charm.
Right? is the best!
I have never thought about freezing limes. This is definitely a useful way to save food and have it on hand for future use.
Right? I think so too. Hope you try it!
I didn’t know limes freeze so well. They are my favorite citrus too so this is good to know.
Hope you try it!
I recently learned that you could freeze lines. I can’t wait to give this recipe a try.
Frozen limes are the best!
I didn’t realize limes could be frozen whole. I’ve been juicing them and grating the peel to freeze separately. This is great to know.
Hope you try it this way!
I am not in the climate to grow limes but I do see them in the market. I never thought to freeze them but this post shows me it is the best way to store limes.
You learn something new every day!
I might have to do this! I do enjoy limes in my drinks. And heck, maybe I’ll make some salsa or something.
Sounds like a great idea!
oh!! I never even thought about freezing limes before!! But I could actually see that as being smart!
It’s a pretty good idea and so useful!