Lime juice is popular due to its versatile use. It is mainly used in recipes that require the flavor to be sourer. Lime juice is great for making cocktails, smoothies, and key lime pie. If you’ve freshly squeezed them to make a meal or a drink, and find yourself with leftovers, you may wonder if you can freeze lime juice.
So, can you freeze lime juice? Yes, you can freeze lime juice. Properly stored, lime juice can last for up to 3 or 4 months in the freezer. You can either freeze them in a large potion in a container or a small portion in an ice cube tray. Both methods are great for storing lime juice in the freezer.
Does Lime Juice Freeze Well?
Lime juice freezes well due to the high water content. It needs to be kept in an airtight container to prevent air from leaking into the container. Kept airtight, lime juice can last for quite a long time in the freezer.
The only thing bad about freezing lime juice is the taste of it. The longer that the juice is stored in the freezer, the more bitter it will get. This is due to the acidity in the lime juice. For that reason, it’s important to use them within a couple of months for the best result.
How To Freeze Lime Juice
When it comes to freezing lime juice, you have two options for doing so. You can either freeze them in a large portion or in a smaller portion.
Below are the steps to freezing lime juice using both methods:
Freezing Lime Juice In Large Portion
If you’re planning to make a meal that requires a lot of lime juice, this is the best method. Once you’ve thawed the juice, you’ll need to use the whole thing. You won’t be able to refreeze it.
Step 1: Preparation
Squeeze the lime juice into a bowl. Use a strainer to separate the liquid from the seeds.
Step 2: Storage Container
In a large airtight container, pour the lime juice into it. Leave a small gap at the top of the container. This will allow the juice to expand during freezing.
Step 3: Seal It
Check the lid for any damages. Sometimes, if the container has not been used for a long time, the rubber seal may deteriorate and crack. A small crack can introduce air into the container, which can shorten the shelf life of the lime juice by half!
If there are no damages to the seal, secure the lid to the container tightly.
Step 4: Label and Freeze
Using a marker, write down the date of freezing on the bag. Then place the lime juice into the freezer. If you’re not going to use them any time soon, it’s best to put them further into the back of the freezer. This location will have less fluctuation in temperature.
Freezing Ice Cube Lime Juice
Step 1: Preparation
Prepare the lime juice by squeezing them into a bowl. Then use a strainer to remove the seeds from the bowl.
Step 2: Ice Cube Tray
Clean the ice cube tray thoroughly. Then pour the lime juice into the slot of the tray. Keep a small gap at the top of each slot. This will allow the juice to expand when it’s freezing.
Step 3: Flash Freezing
Place the tray of lime juice into the freezer. Make sure to keep it flat in the freezer to avoid the juice running to one side.
Let the lime juice sit in the freeze for about 2-3 hours or until it’s completely frozen.
Step 4: Storage Container
Once it’s completely frozen, remove the tray from the freezer. Immediately transfer the ice cubes to an airtight container or freezer bag.
If you’re using an airtight container, check the seal on the lid for any damage. If there is no damage, secure the lid to the container tightly.
On the other hand, if you’re using a freezer bag, squeeze out as much air as possible before sealing it tightly. You can also use a straw to draw out the excess water.
Step 5: Label and Freezing
With a marker, write down the date of freezing on the container or freezer bag. Then place them into the freezer for storage.
How Long Can You Freeze Lime Juice?
Lime juice can last for up to 4 months in the freezer. After that time, it will start to go deteriorate. The longer it’s in the freezer, the higher the chance of freezer burn.
After about 4 months, you’ll still be able to drink the lime juice, but it won’t taste as fresh as it should.
How Do You Defrost Lime Juice?
Defrosting lime juice is simple and straightforward. For a large portion of lime juice, remove them from the freezer and leave it in the fridge to thaw. Leave it in the fridge for about 3-4 hours to thaw.
If you’re planning to put the lime juice in a smoothie, you don’t need to thaw them. Simply remove the lime juice ice cubes from the freezer and place them directly into the blender.
Can You Refreeze Lime Juice?
If the lime juice has not thawed completely yet, you can refreeze them. This means you took them out of the freezer and left them in the fridge for no longer than 20 minutes. Then you can refreeze lime juice without any changes in texture or taste.
On the other hand, if the lime juice has thawed completely, it’s not recommended to refreezing lime juice. Doing so will cause the taste and texture to deteriorate. Also, it could potentially be contaminated with bacteria, which could make you sick.
Other Questions about Lime Juice
Can you freeze lime?
Yes, you can freeze lime. You can freeze whole lime or sliced. For whole lime, wash it first to remove the wax off the skin. Then place them into a freezer bag and place it into the freezer.
For sliced lime, after cutting them into preferred size, place them into the freezer bag or an airtight container. Squeeze out the air from the bag and seal it tightly. Then place them into the freezer for storage.
Can you freeze bottled lime juice?
Yes, you can freeze bottled lime juice. If the bottle is not open yet, it’s better to store them in the pantry. It will have a shelf life of about 1 year.
Once the bottle of lime juice is opened, you can store them in the freezer. It’s best to transfer the juice to an airtight container before freezing it. This will help keep the lime juice fresh longer.