How to Freeze Limes

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.

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.

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.

Limes in a plastic bag that is labeled and with the air removed.

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.

Lime wedges in a plastic bag with the air removed.

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.

A grater grating the zest of a frozen lime.

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.