Can You Freeze Limes?
Are you wondering if limes can be frozen? Citrus fruits such as lime are brilliant for adding a pop of flavour to lots of different dishes. However, buying a single lime can be expensive but you may not need a whole bag full for just one dish. Can you freeze limes ready to be used at a later date?
From Key Lime Pie to Guacomle, limes are very versatile and can be used in a multitude of both sweet and savoury dishes. Whether you grow your own or purchase them from the supermarket, they may come a time when you have more limes than you know what to do with!
Can You Freeze Limes?
Yes, you can freeze limes. Limes freeze really well and this is the perfect way to preserve them for using further along the line. You can actually zest limes while they are still frozen.
Can You Freeze Lime Zest?
Lime zest can be frozen so this is a great option if you have a recipe that requires juice but no zest and you’d like to try and reduce wastage.
Can You Freeze Lime Juice?
Lime juice will actually keep for quite a while in the fridge, but if you really don’t think you’ll use it up in time freezing it is a great option.
I like to freeze lime juice in an ice cube tray and then pop the cubes out into freezer bag as this is a great way to have a small portion of lime juice as and when needed.
Can You Freeze Whole Limes?
The good news is that you can freeze whole limes as well as lime slices, lime zest and lime juice. Just choose whichever way is easiest for you!
How To Freeze Limes
There are several different ways to freeze limes and it will depend on how you prepare your limes before freezing for which one you’ll need to use.
Don’t forget that it’s often better to freeze things in smaller portions so you can remove enough for one dish at a time and prevent food from getting wasted.
Limes should be washed before freezing to remove any wax coating. This will enable the limes to be used straight from the freezer.
Always label and date anything that you are freezing. There’s nothing worse than finding random frozen foods at the back of your freezer and having no idea what they are! Adding the date the limes were frozen will help you keep track of when to get them used up.
How To Freeze Whole Limes
If you’re freezing whole limes, simply give them a quick wash and then place them into a freezer bag. Squeeze out any air pop in the freezer.
Whole limes can be zested while still frozen but will need to be defrosted before juicing.
How To Freeze Lime Slices or Wedges
You may prefer to freeze your lime in slices or wedges. This is the perfect solution if you plan to use the lime slices in drinks or for decorative purposes. This will enable you to remove as many as you need from the freezer and stops the limes from clumping together in one big lump.
To freeze lime slices or wedges (or a combination of both!), you will need to flash freeze them first.
- Cut your limes into slices or wedges.
- Place these on a baking tray lined with greaseproof paper and ensure none of the limes is touching each other.
- Freeze for 2-3 hours until solid.
- Remove from the freezer and place the frozen pieces into a freezer bag or plastic container.
- Label and date and return to the freezer.
How To Freeze Lime Zest
I find the best way to freeze lime zest is in an ice cube tray, either in a little bit of water, lime juice or a little bit of olive oil. This means it can be popped out of the tray as and when needed and if it’s being added to a hot dish it won’t even need defrosting.
How To Freeze Lime Juice
As with above, I find the best way freeze lime juice is in an ice cube tray for ease of use. You could also freeze it in a plastic freezer bag or small container, depending on how much you have to freeze.
How Long Will Limes Keep In The Freezer?
Limes will keep in the freezer pretty much indefinitely. However, the longer they are left the more they will start to lose their taste and flavour. I would advise using frozen limes within 3 to 6 months of freezing.
They will be safe to eat after this time but won’t have the best or strongest flavour. Typically the outside of the limes is affected more – so the zest may not taste as strong but the juice inside will be fine.
How To Defrost Limes After Freezing
As lime wedges and slices are so small, they don’t take very long to defrost at all – however, overnight in the freezer is the best way.
Whole limes can be defrosted by running under warm water on being blasted in the microwave for a few seconds.
How To Freeze Other Fruits
Do you have some other fruit that you need to freeze? Take a look at our guides below.
Can You Freeze Cantaloupe Melon?
