Dayap (Lime)Shelf Life, Storage, and Spoilage Guide
Pantry
1 week
Store at room temperature away from direct sunlight. Do not wash until ready to use.
Refrigerator
3-4 weeks
Store in a mesh bag or the crisper drawer of the refrigerator to maintain humidity and prevent drying out.
Freezer
3-4 months (whole), 4-6 months (juice/zest)
Whole limes can be frozen in a freezer bag. For longer storage or convenience, zest and juice limes, then freeze zest in an airtight container and juice in ice cube trays before transferring to freezer bags.
Signs of Spoilage
- Soft spots or mushy texture
- Mold growth (white, green, or black fuzzy spots)
- Significant discoloration or dark spots
- Shriveled or excessively dry skin
- Off-odor or fermented smell
Room Temperature Safety
40°F–140°F
While whole, uncut limes are less perishable than some other foods, prolonged exposure to warm temperatures can accelerate spoilage. For best quality and safety, do not leave cut limes at room temperature for more than 2 hours (or 1 hour if the temperature is above 90°F/32°C).
Safe Handling
Wash hands thoroughly with soap and water before and after handling fresh produce.
Wash limes under running water, scrubbing gently with a clean produce brush if necessary, before cutting, zesting, or eating.
Avoid cross-contamination by keeping limes separate from raw meats, poultry, and seafood.