Limes are small citrus fruits and are rich in vitamin C and especially calcium, potassium and phosphorus. Although the natural sensitivity to cold clearly speaks against it, many hobby gardeners and cooks report positive results when it comes to storage in the refrigerator. In our guide, we present the various ways of storing limes.
Limes can be stored in the fridge
Best storage conditions for limes
Ideally, store limes in a cool, dark, and dry place-like a basement, pantry, or attic. The citrus fruits then stay fresh for about two to three weeks. Temperatures between five and ten degrees Celsius are optimal.
tips
Limes can be kept at room temperature for up to five days. However, if they are stored too warm, they will dry out quickly.
Keep limes in the fridge?
Although limes are very sensitive to cold, there is a way to store the citrus fruit in the refrigerator. That's how it's done:
- Place a piece of kitchen paper in a mason jar.
- Then convey a lime onto the paper.
- Close the jar tightly.
- Place the jar on the lowest shelf in the fridge.
According to practical experience, the lime stays fresh for several weeks. Make sure that the refrigerator is not colder than about five degrees Celsius.
tips
You can also store a sliced lime in this way. However, you should then use them within a few days.
Freeze limes for a long shelf life
Do you have a very large stash of limes that you want to store for months? Then it is advisable to freeze the citrus fruits.
General tips for storing limes
Like other citrus fruits, limes are always harvested when they are fully ripe - that is, they do not ripen like apples or bananas. This extends their shelf life. Always keep limes separate from fruits and vegetables that will ripen later, because the latter give off the ripening gas ethylene, which causes citrus fruits to spoil much faster.
It is important that air can circulate between several limes. In this way you avoid moisture and mold growth. Place the citrus fruits in a basket or wide perforated bowl where they will be stored (aside from the refrigerator).
A hard and wrinkled rind indicates that you should use the lime immediately, otherwise it will begin to go moldy. Inside, such a fruit is already quite dry. You should also use limes with a bruised or otherwise damaged peel as soon as possible. Make sure the fruit is intact when you buy it!
The garden journal freshness ABC
How can fruit and vegetables be stored correctly so that they stay fresh for as long as possible?
The garden journal freshness ABC as a poster:
- as a free PDF file to print out yourself