VANILLAGOODS / FRESH MARKET BUYING GUIDE

Limes: Buying, Storage & Baking Guide

Learn how to choose, store, and bake with limes, with quality checks and U.S. season guidance.

Citrus
Limes: Whole limes with one cut in half

Look for

Intact peel; color varies by variety and growing conditions

Feel & texture

Heavy for size, firm with some natural give

Aroma

Fresh citrus aroma, especially when peel is gently rubbed

What to avoid

Soft rotten patches, mold, leaking or rancid odors

How to store

Refrigerate for extended storage

Typical U.S. season

Typical U.S. months: May, Jun, Jul, Aug, Sep

Growing regions and availability

High-level growing suitability depends on variety, climate and local conditions.

Seasons and growing conditions vary by location and variety. Imported or stored ingredients may be available outside typical growing windows.

Visual buying guide

Limes, where it grows: Limes hanging on a lime tree with glossy leaves

Where it grows

Limes, pick this one: Glossy, bright green, firm, heavy limes

Pick this one

Intact peel; color varies by variety and growing conditions

Limes, skip this one: Hard, dried, yellowing limes with brown spots

Skip this one

Soft rotten patches, mold, leaking or rancid odors

What can you bake with Limes?

Zest, curds, marmalades and citrus cakes

Explore lime recipes →

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