What Are Limes and How Can I Use Them?
Limes is easier to cook with than it looks. Here's how to choose, use, and store them, what to substitute, and 492 recipes to get you started.
Key Points
- Limes deliver bright, floral acidity that lemon lacks. Their juice cuts fat and balances sweetness in both savory and sweet dishes. The zest carries fragrant oils that fade quickly once exposed.
- Roll the lime firmly on the counter before cutting. This breaks the internal membranes and yields noticeably more juice. Room-temperature limes give more than cold ones straight from the fridge.
- Lemon is the most common substitute, though it lacks lime’s distinctive floral note. In a pinch, a mix of lemon juice and a small splash of orange juice approximates the flavor.
- Choose limes that feel heavy for their size with smooth, glossy skin. They keep about a week at room temperature and up to two weeks when refrigerated.
What are limes?
Limes deliver bright, floral acidity that lemon lacks. Their juice cuts fat and balances sweetness in both savory and sweet dishes. The zest carries fragrant oils that fade quickly once exposed.
How to use it
Roll the lime firmly on the counter before cutting. This breaks the internal membranes and yields noticeably more juice. Room-temperature limes give more than cold ones straight from the fridge.
For maximum flavor, zest first, then juice. The zest loses its punch fast once the oils oxidize, so use it immediately. A microplane gives the finest zest without hitting the bitter white pith underneath.
Cooking & pairing
Lime juice is the defining acid in ceviche. The acid denatures the proteins in fish and shellfish, turning them opaque and firm without heat. It also cuts through the richness of carnitas, grilled fish, and avocado. A final squeeze of lime at the end of cooking revives flavors that have gone dull during simmering.
In desserts, lime brings a sharper edge than lemon. It shines in key lime pie, lime curd, and sorbets. The zest perfumes cakes, cookies, and syrups. Pair lime with coconut, mango, chili, cilantro, fish sauce, and tequila. Avoid cooking the zest for long periods — the fragrant oils evaporate and turn bitter.
Substitutes
Lemon is the most common substitute, though it lacks lime’s distinctive floral note. In a pinch, a mix of lemon juice and a small splash of orange juice approximates the flavor. Bottled lime juice works in cooked dishes and marinades but tastes flat and one-dimensional in cocktails, ceviches, and fresh salsas.
For zest, lemon zest is the closest option. Avoid using dried lime powder unless the recipe is specifically designed for it — the flavor is concentrated and can easily overpower other ingredients.
Buying & storage
Choose limes that feel heavy for their size with smooth, glossy skin and no soft spots. Hard limes with no give are underripe. Slightly yielding ones are ready to use. Avoid any with brown or wrinkled skin.
Store them in the crisper drawer of the refrigerator. They keep about a week at room temperature and up to two weeks when refrigerated. For longer storage, juice and freeze the juice in ice cube trays, or zest and freeze the zest in a small container.
Nutrition
Nutrition Facts
Serving Size 1 NLEA serving (67g)Where found
Limes are usually found in the produce section or aisle of the grocery store or supermarket.
Food group
Limes are a member of the Fruits and Fruit Juices US Department of Agriculture nutritional food group.
How much do limes weigh?
| Amount | Weight |
|---|---|
| 1 fruit (2" dia) | 67 grams |
| 1 NLEA serving | 67 grams |
Related
Fruits and Fruit Juices
- In Chinese:
- 酸橙
- British (UK) term:
- Limes
- en français:
- limes
- en español:
- limas
Recipes using limes
There are 492 recipes that contain this ingredient.
Margarita on the Rocks
Margarita on the rocks shakes premium gold tequila with Triple Sec, Grand Marnier, and sweet and sour mix, poured over ice into a salt-rimmed glass. The double hit of orange liqueur gives this classic cocktail extra depth and punch.
Spicy Blueberry Citrus Marmalade
Spicy blueberry citrus marmalade simmers orange, lemon, and lime rinds with fresh blueberries, sugar, and a kick of crushed red pepper into a sweet-tart-spicy preserve. Made for canning and gifting.
Easy & Yummy Gazpacho
Classic gazpacho, the chilled Spanish tomato soup with fresh tomatoes, cucumber, green pepper, garlic, and a bright lime-and-lemon finish. No-cook summer dish, ready after a 2-hour chill.
Avocado Gazpacho Soup
Cold avocado gazpacho soup with cucumber, cilantro, lime, and a splash of hot sauce. Mexican-style chilled summer soup, no cooking required.
Vanilla Bean Banana Bread
A welcome twist on the classic banana bread recipe. It incorporates the rich, aromatic flavor of vanilla beans to elevate the taste of the moist and tender banana bread. The vanilla bean adds a depth of flavor and a subtle sweetness that perfectly complements the natural sweetness of the ripe bananas.
4th of July Grilled Fresh Corn
Mexican street-corn-inspired grilled corn rubbed with lime wedges dipped in chili-amchoor spice. Vegetarian summer BBQ side with bright tang and gentle heat.
Kukul Mus Thakkali or Chicken & Tomato Curry
Kukul Mus Thakkali, a Sri Lankan chicken and tomato curry with coconut milk, lemongrass, curry leaves, fenugreek and cardamom. Marinated and simmered for rich, layered flavor.
Huevos Rojo y Verdes (Mexican Red & Green Eggs)
I had these for breakfast frequently when staying in Tlaqupaque, Mexico outside Guadalajara. Here's my version that recreates this local specialty. I haven't seen them anywhere else. Perfect for Cinco de Mayo.
Avocado, Radish & Edamame Salad
A simple salad with big health credentials: avocados are an excellent source of good fats, and more recently have been shown to also inhibit inflammation when eaten in combination with foods that typically trigger it. They are also a rich source of potassium (which balances sodium to keep blood pressure levels stable) and vitamin E, an important antioxidant.
Herb-Roasted Turkey with Citrus Glaze
Herb-roasted Thanksgiving turkey with fresh sage, marjoram, and thyme tucked right under the skin and a lemon-lime glaze brushed on at the end for a glossy, citrus-bright finish. The holiday centerpiece, done simply.
Edamame, Carrot, & Avocado Salad
Edamame, carrot, and avocado salad tossed in a bright orange-lime and ginger-sesame dressing with black sesame seeds and cilantro. A fresh, protein-rich vegan, gluten-free side.
Citrus Avocado Dip
Fresh citrus fruits and ripe avocado bring you a very fresh taste, serve it with any kind of your favorite chips.
Marinated Mushroom, Black Bean Couscous Salad with Cheddar
This tasty couscous salad has layers of delicious flavors and great textures. Chipotle chili in adobo sauce adds some smokiness, a touch cumin gives extra tang. Serve it as a side dish or a light and refreshing main course.
Butternut Squash, Black Bean & Tortilla Stew
Had some butternut squash, home-boiled black beans and corn tortillas that needed to be used up. This recipe sounded like a perfect fit, and it was very filling and delicious too.
Mango Sorbet
Mango sorbet whirls ripe mango puree with simple syrup, lime, and lemon for a velvet-smooth tropical dessert. A six-ingredient summer freezer treat with optional rum.
Mahi Mahi Tacos
To me, fish tacos are the best during summer. There is no real reason behind this, besides that I just think they taste better, and after a winter full of heavy soups and stews, there is nothing like a light and fresh tasting fish taco.
Mahi Mahi Tacos
To me, fish tacos are the best during summer. There is no real reason behind this, besides that I just think they taste better, and after a winter full of heavy soups and stews, there is nothing like a light and fresh tasting fish taco.
Roasted Carrot & Red Pepper Soup
Oven-charred carrots and red peppers turn naturally sweet when roasted, then pureed into a velvety soup with lime zest and cinnamon. Vegan, gluten-free comfort in a bowl.
Thai Curry Squash Soup
This delicious Thai curry soup is packed with goodness and great flavour. It warms you up instantly. Perfect for a cold winter supper when served with a bowl of rice.
Thai Curry Squash Soup
This delicious Thai curry soup is packed with goodness and great flavour. It warms you up instantly. Perfect for a cold winter supper when served with a bowl of rice.
Broiled Tofu With Cilantro Pesto
This Tofu Gets It's Brillant Color and Delightful Flavor From An Easy Cilantro Pesto And Lime Juice!! Great Side Dish!!
Fresh Seven-Layer Dip
So yummy, store-bought seven-layer dip can never beat freshly homemade version, no doubt.
Grilled Mahi mahi, Red Onion Couscous, Chunky Papaya Avocado Salsa
Dolphin fish, AKA Mahi mahi served on top of a red onion couscous with a fresh Papaya Avocado salsa. Wonderfully presented and delicious.
