Lime on a neutral surface

How Long Does Lime Last?

Lime: 5–10 days in the pantry and 3–4 weeks in the refrigerator. These are listed storage intervals; check each card for exact evidence and conditions. Freezer intervals describe quality.

Pantry
5–10 days
Evidence under review

This editorial interval has no verified exact source yet. Follow your product label.

Fridge
3–4 weeks
Evidence under review

This editorial interval has no verified exact source yet. Follow your product label.

  • Each card identifies whether its interval has an exact source or is still under review. A missing card means no interval is available for that state.
  • An absent after-opening entry must not be replaced with an unopened interval.

Discard limes that are mouldy or mushy. Hard, lightweight limes have dried out and give little juice.

How to tell if it's gone bad

Normal appearance and smell do not prove food is safe. Disease-causing bacteria may be present without visible spoilage. Never taste food to test its safety; follow time, temperature and recall guidance. FDA — Storage Basics

  • Look:Brown or yellow patches, mould, hard dry skin
  • Smell:Fermented or musty smell
  • Texture:Squishy, dried-out, or hollow flesh

When in doubt, throw it out. If Lime smells, looks, or feels off — discard it. Food poisoning is not worth the risk.

Storage tips

Keep limes in a sealed bag in the crisper to retain moisture. Yellowing is normal ripening and does not mean spoilage on its own.

Check your storage dates

Compare the elapsed time with the storage guidance. This cannot certify that food is safe.

Use the actual purchase, cooking, opening or thawing date for the selected state. For the freezer, use the freezing date. Do not reset time by repackaging.
Fridge: 4°C / 40°F or below. Freezer: continuously −18°C / 0°F or below, frozen before the refrigerated limit. Pantry: follow the label. Leave unchecked if uncertain.

FDA — Storage Basics / Freezer Facts

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