Can I Eat Expired Lime?

Lime safety depends on more than the date.

Storage conditions, initial freshness, and potential contamination change the answer — and those details are easy to miss.

Get a yes / no answer for your lime

Last reviewed: January 2026

Reviewed by the Can I Eat Expired Editorial Team using official USDA, FDA, and CDC food safety guidance. How we assess food safety risk

⚠️

Use Caution After Expiry

May be safe if properly stored and showing no spoilage signs. Check carefully before consuming.

Medium Risk❄️ Can be frozen

⚠️ Contaminated produce is a major source of foodborne illness outbreaks.

Still unsure if Lime is safe?

Every situation is different. Get a personalized food safety verdict for your lime based on the date, storage, and condition — in seconds.

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Fresh Lime

Fresh Lime

⚠️Spoiled Lime

Spoiled Lime
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Storage Guidelines

Storage Location

Fridge

Ideal Temperature

45-50°F (7-10°C)

Best Storage Method

Store in a plastic bag in the crisper drawer

Shelf Life

Average Shelf Life

7 days

⚠️

Signs of Spoilage

Mold, shriveled appearance, soft spots

ℹ️

Additional Information

Alternative Uses

Zesting, juicing, cocktail garnish

Possible Substitutions

Persian lime

Still unsure if Lime is safe?

Every situation is different. Get a personalized food safety verdict for your lime based on the date, storage, and condition — in seconds.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What's the difference between expiration and best quality dates?

Sure thing! Expiration dates and best quality dates for limes are important to understand. The expiration date on limes indicates when they may no longer be safe to consume due to potential spoilage or health risks. On the other hand, the best quality date suggests when limes may start to lose flavor, texture, or freshness, but are still safe to eat. For example, if you have a lime that is past its expiration date, it's best to toss it as it might be moldy or bad. However, if a lime has surpassed its best quality date but looks and smells fine, it should still be safe to eat but may not taste as fresh or juicy. Personally, I tend to use limes even after the best quality date if they appear to be in good condition. I just adjust my expectations slightly for flavor and juiciness. But if there are any signs of spoilage, I don't take a chance and discard them. It's always better to be safe than sorry when it comes to food safety!

How can I tell if Lime has gone bad?

To check if a lime has gone bad, look for any mold or discoloration on the skin. A bad lime may also feel overly soft or have a mushy texture when squeezed. Additionally, if the lime gives off a strong, unpleasant odor, it is likely no longer fresh.

What are the food safety risks?

Hey there! Let's talk about Lime and food safety. While Limes are a delicious addition to many dishes and drinks, there are some important food safety tips to keep in mind. One risk with Limes is the potential for foodborne illnesses like salmonella. Symptoms of food poisoning can include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and stomach cramps, and they can really put a damper on your day! To stay safe while enjoying Limes, make sure to wash them thoroughly before slicing or zesting. It's also a good idea to store them in the fridge to prevent bacteria growth. And when using Lime juice in recipes, try to use it fresh rather than letting it sit out for too long. Personally, I always give my Limes a good scrub under running water before adding them to my guacamole or squeezing them into my cocktails. It's a simple step that can make a big difference in keeping you and your stomach happy!

What are some pro storage tips?

Hey there! When it comes to storing limes, here are some handy tips and tricks. To keep them fresh longer, store limes in a plastic bag in the crisper drawer of your refrigerator. If you've already cut a lime and want to keep it fresh, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil. For a fun twist, you can also freeze lime juice in ice cube trays for easy use in drinks or recipes. Just squeeze the juice, pour it into the trays, and pop them out when you need a burst of lime flavor. If you use a lot of lime zest in your cooking, consider zesting limes before juicing them. You can freeze the zest in a sealed bag for quick and easy access later on. Personally, I love using a citrus keeper container to store whole limes. It helps to extend their shelf life and keeps them handy for whenever I need a pop of citrus in my dishes. Give these tips a try and see which works best for you!

Any interesting facts about Lime?

Hey there! Let's chat about limes! Did you know that limes have been around for centuries, originally hailing from Southeast Asia and brought to Europe by Arab traders in the Middle Ages? They were prized for their ability to prevent scurvy among sailors due to their high vitamin C content. In many cultures, limes are not just a tangy ingredient but also hold symbolic significance. In India, they are often used in religious ceremonies and placed in doorways to ward off evil spirits. Additionally, in Mexican culture, limes are a staple in dishes like guacamole and ceviche, adding a refreshing zing. One cool fact about limes is that they can be both sweet and sour! Have you ever tried a Key lime pie? It's a delicious dessert that showcases the unique sweet-tart flavor of Key limes. So next time you squeeze a lime over your tacos or mix up a mojito, remember the rich history and cultural importance of this small but mighty fruit!

Can I eat Lime that has been at room temperature for 24 hours?

If Lime has been left at room temperature for 24 hours, it's best to discard it. Bacteria can multiply rapidly at room temperature, increasing the risk of foodborne illness. To ensure food safety, always store Lime in the refrigerator and consume it within the recommended shelf life of 7 days.

How long after opening can I eat Lime?

Once you open a Lime, it's advisable to consume it within 2-3 days for the best quality and taste. Properly store the unused portion in an airtight container in the refrigerator to maintain freshness. Avoid leaving cut Lime at room temperature for extended periods to prevent bacterial growth.

Does the type of container affect Lime's shelf life?

The type of container can impact Lime's shelf life. Opt for airtight containers or zipper-seal bags to store cut or sliced Lime in the refrigerator. These containers help maintain freshness and prevent exposure to other odors in the fridge, extending the Lime's shelf life compared to loosely wrapped or uncovered storage.

Evidence We Use for Lime Guidance

Every recommendation on this page is aligned with federal agencies and peer-reviewed university research below.

USDAOfficial guidance

USDA FoodKeeper – Cold Storage Guidelines

Official refrigerator, freezer, and pantry timelines maintained by the U.S. Department of Agriculture.

Visit USDA FoodKeeper
FDAOfficial guidance

FDA Produce Safety Rule & Grower Guidance

Field-to-fridge handling practices that prevent contamination of fruits, vegetables, and leafy greens.

Visit FDA Produce Safety
CDCOfficial guidance

CDC Foodborne Illness Prevention Hub

Surveillance-backed guidance on pathogens, symptoms, and steps to reduce foodborne illness risk.

Visit CDC Food Safety
ResearchUniversity research

UC Davis Postharvest Technology Center

University research detailing optimal storage atmospheres for produce after harvest.

Visit UC Davis Postharvest
ResearchUniversity research

Penn State Extension – Home Food Preservation & Safety

Peer-reviewed extension bulletins on safe canning, chilling, and reheating practices.

Visit Penn State Extension

Need deeper reading? Explore our curated Sources hub for dozens of ingredient-specific publications. Our food safety review methodology explains how safety determinations are made.

Important: These are general guidelines based on authoritative sources listed above. Always use your best judgment and when in doubt, throw it out. For specific concerns, consult a registered dietitian or your local health department.