How Long Do Limes Last?
Whole limes last 3–4 weeks in the fridge and about 1 week on the counter. Cut limes keep 3–4 days refrigerated, and fresh lime juice 2–3 days in the fridge or 3–4 months frozen.
Limes — whole
shelf life- Cut: 3–4 days in the fridge
- Fresh, squeezed juice: 2–3 days in the fridge
Fridge at 40°F (4°C) or below · freezer at 0°F (−18°C). Freezer times are for best quality; frozen food stays safe longer.
Limes have a thinner peel than lemons and lose moisture faster, so they are the quickest of the common citrus fruits to turn hard and dry. Their acidity keeps rot at bay for weeks, but the rind yellows, toughens and eventually browns as the fruit ages, and the juice yield drops with it.
How to store limes
- Keep limes in a sealed bag or airtight container in the crisper drawer; exposed to fridge air, their thin skin dries out in under two weeks.
- Pick limes that feel heavy and give slightly when squeezed; rock-hard, lightweight limes are already drying out and will yield little juice.
- Cut wedges for drinks the day you need them and store leftovers in a small covered container, since cut lime dries and turns bitter quickly.
- Freeze lime juice in ice cube trays and the zest in a small bag; both hold their flavor far better than a whole lime past its prime.
How to tell if limes have gone bad
- Brown, dry, hardened patches on the rind and a fruit that feels light and will not give when squeezed.
- Soft, mushy or sunken spots, sometimes with a watery look under the skin.
- White or green powdery mold on the peel.
- Flesh that is brown or dry inside, or juice with a fermented, musty smell.
Bacteria that cause food poisoning usually do not change the look, smell or taste of food. Go by the time limits first, and the signs above second.
Limes shelf life chart
| State | Fridge | Freezer | Pantry |
|---|---|---|---|
| Whole | 3–4 weeks | 3–4 months | 1 week |
| Frozen whole limes thaw soft and are only good for juicing. | |||
| Cut | 3–4 days | 3–4 months | Not safe |
| Fresh, squeezed juice | 2–3 days | 3–4 months | Not safe |
Not safe = perishable: no more than 2 hours at room temperature (1 hour above 90°F / 32°C). Not recommended = possible, but quality suffers or it serves no purpose.
Frequently asked questions
Are limes that have turned yellow still good?
Yes. A lime turning yellow is ripening further, not spoiling, and yellow limes are often juicier and a little less sharp. They are safe as long as the fruit is still slightly soft and heavy with no mold. Brown, hard or mushy patches are the signs to watch for.
How long do limes last in the fridge?
Limes last 3–4 weeks in the fridge when kept in a sealed bag or container. Left loose on a fridge shelf they dry out in about half that time. On the counter, expect roughly one week before the skin begins to harden.
How do you get more juice from a hard lime?
Warm it and roll it. Microwave the lime for about 10–15 seconds, roll it firmly on the counter under your palm, then cut it lengthwise rather than across. A lime that is brown and dry inside has nothing left to give and should be discarded.
How long do cut lime wedges last?
Cut lime wedges last 3–4 days in a covered container in the fridge, though they are at their best on the first day. Wedges that have sat out in a bar caddy or on a table for more than 2 hours should be thrown away rather than saved.
Related foods
| Food | Fridge | Freezer | Pantry |
|---|---|---|---|
| Lemons Whole |
3–6 weeks | 3–4 months | 1 week |
| Oranges Whole |
3–4 weeks | Not recommended | 1 week |
| Grapefruit Whole |
3–6 weeks | Not recommended | 1 week |
| Avocado Ripe |
3–5 days | Not recommended | 1–2 days |
| Guacamole Homemade |
1–2 days | 3–4 months | Not safe |
| Cilantro Fresh |
7–10 days | 3–4 months | Not recommended |
Reviewed 2026-09-20. Times follow published USDA FoodKeeper / FSIS, FDA and CDC storage guidance; where sources differ we use the shorter time. How we compile this data.