Limes are one of those citrus fruits that are nice to always have on hand. Not to mention they can be purchased in bulk relatively cheaply. This is why many wonder if limes can be frozen for later use?
You can freeze limes whole, sliced, juiced, or zested if washed thoroughly beforehand. You should store them in a freezer-grade Ziplock bag or another airtight container. However, frozen limes will have a mushier texture after being frozen and are best used in smoothies, drinks, or baked goods.
In the rest of this article, I will go over the best way to freeze your limes for later use, how long limes remain good in the freezer, and the easiest ways to defrost frozen limes.
Taking advantage of large sales on citrus is a great way to save money and keep yourself well-stocked on limes throughout the year. So let’s take a quick look at the four best methods for freezing limes.
How To Freeze Whole Limes
Freezing limes is reasonably straightforward, especially if you want to freeze them whole. This is because of a limes protective rind, which acts as an outer shell. While freezing whole limes can make the citrus fruit a little mushy, frozen lime can still be great for various drinks or dishes.
To freeze whole limes, you will need:
Paper towels or a regular towel
A freezer-grade Ziplock bag or airtight container of some kind
A sharpie
How to freeze entire limes for later use:
Wash your limes thoroughly, then pat them dry.
Place in an airtight container.
Label and date the container.
Place in the freezer for up to 12 months.
This process for freezing limes is easy enough and is a great way to ensure you will have plenty of citrus for months to come.
How To Freeze Lime Wedges
The next method for freezing your limes is the wedge method. Freezing your lime in wedges is perfect for drinks and will give you easy access to small portions of your citrus.
To freeze lime wedges, you will need:
Paper towels or a towel
A freezer-grade Ziplock bag or airtight container
A sharpie
A metal cookie sheet
How to freeze lime wedges easily:
Scrub your limes clean, and then pat them dry.
Slice your limes into about ¼-inch (0.64-centimeter) wedges.
Once frozen, place wedges into a freezer-safe ziplock bag or airtight container.
Label and date the container.
Place in the freezer and enjoy when you are ready.
Something important to note when freezing your limes in wedges, you should try to set your lime wedges on their rind when placing them on a baking sheet for flash freezing. This is because the pulpy part of the lime can freeze to the metal sheet, making it challenging to remove.
How To Freeze Lime Juice
Up next, we have lime juice. You may have never thought about freezing only the limes’ juice, but this is a fantastic way to preserve your limes. Plus, lime juice is very versatile since it can be used in various foods like guacamole, pasta dishes, or even smoothies.
To freeze lime juice, you will need:
A juicer or lemon squeezer. If you don’t already have one, I recommend the Zulay Metal Lemon Lime Squeezer (available on Amazon). It’s pretty inexpensive and works great for squeezing limes or lemons.
Paper towels or a regular towel
A container to collect lime juice in
An ice cube tray
A freezer-grade Ziplock bag or airtight container
A sharpie
How to freeze lime juice for later:
Clean the outside of your limes well and pat them dry.
Juice your limes.
Pour the lime juice evenly into an ice cube tray.
Place in the freezer and wait.
Once frozen, remove the ice cubes from the tray and place them in an airtight container.
Label and date the container.
Place in the freezer for later.
Freezing your lime juice in an ice cube tray allows you to add a splash of lime to drinks or other culinary delights without committing to using an entire lime.
How To Freeze Lime Zest
Last but not least is the process of freezing lime zest. Zest from limes is used in many recipes, especially in baking, and it can be frustrating when you are out of citrus and don’t feel like running to the store.
To freeze lime zest, you will need:
A citrus zester or fine grater
Paper towels or regular towel
A metal baking sheet
A freezer-grade Ziplock or airtight container
A sharpie
How to freeze lime zest for later:
Thoroughly wash the outside of your limes and dry them.
Grate the outside of your limes and collect the zest.
Spread zest out on a baking sheet to flash freeze.
Once frozen, transfer the zest into an airtight container.
Label and date the container.
Place in the freezer to use later.
You will now have access to lime zest for all your citrus needs for months! Though you will want to note that lime zest will lose its flavor faster than other freezing methods and is best used before around the three-month mark.
How Long Can You Freeze Limes?
Now that you know all the different methods for freezing your limes for later, I will discuss how long your limes can last in the freezer.
You can freeze limes for up to 12 months. However, it’s best to use frozen limes up around the three-month mark since the rind and zest will dry out quickly, though the juice inside will remain good.
It’s important to note that the longer your limes remain frozen, the mushier they will be once thawed. However, this should not be a problem if you plan to use their juice or zest in a recipe.
How To Defrost Limes
Defrosting limes is much easier than the thawing process for most produce, and you will be able to do it quickly.
As previously stated, defrosting limes is quite simple and can be done by a few different methods. Methods include microwaving them for ten-second increments, leaving them in the fridge to thaw overnight, or running them under warm water until they soften up.
Remember to be careful not to overcook your limes when using the microwave method. It’s always best to start with about ten seconds and add more time slowly if your lime needs it.
Can You Freeze Limes – Conclusion
So can limes be frozen and kept for later? Yes, and there are several methods to choose from, such as freezing them whole, in wedges, juiced, and zested. The overall process for each method is simple and can leave you with limes to enjoy for up to a year.
Just remember to always wash your limes before freezing and placing them in an airtight container. Don’t forget to label and date the container so that you know how long they’ve been in the freezer. Finally, ensure you use up your frozen limes before the three-month mark for the freshest taste.
