How to Cut a Lime at the Table

Lime rounds, whole limes, and lime wedges on a cutting board.

Discover how to cut a lime like a pro, choose the reliable ones, and store them for maximum freshness. Plus, we’ll share some fantastic ways to use this sweet, tart, citrus fruit to add zing to your dishes!

Lime rounds, whole limes, lime wedges, and a lime being halved on a cutting board.

How to Pick the Reliable Lime

Believe it or not, the finest limes aren’t always the greenest! It actually depends on your taste preferences.

For instance, yellow limes tend to be juicier with a sweeter flavor. Meanwhile, green limes are more sour in flavor and add a citrusy bite to your recipes.

Beyond that, you want to look for limes that have a strong lime smell when gently scratched, are firm with just a slight give when squeezed, and are heavy for their size.

A lime being sliced into rounds on a marble cutting board.

How to Cut a Lime

The two most common ways to cut limes are in wedges or rounds, depending on what they’re being used for. So, we’ll walk you through both to help you get the most out of your limes!

Before you begin either method, you’ll want to start with the following steps.

Remove the stickers. Seriously, don’t forget this part!
Use a sharp knife to slice off both ends.

Wedges/Slices

Stand the lime up on a cutting board, and slice it in half lengthwise.
Flip each half over, and slice them again two or three times from end to end, depending on your desired thickness. If desired, you can continue to cut the wedges down into halves, fourths, or even eighths.

TIP! For thick wedges, angle your knife just slightly (about forty-five degrees).

Lime rounds being sliced in half on a marble cutting board.

Common Questions When Learning How to Cut a Lime

Can you eat a lime peel?

Yes, lime peels can be used for zesting to add color and flavor to meals. Or, you can boil them to drink! Just keep in mind that they tend to have a bitter flavor and are often sweetened and combined with other ingredients.

How long do cut limes last?

Once sliced, limes should be transferred to an airtight container and stored in the fridge. They’ll stay fresh for up to five to seven days!

Can you freeze limes once they’re cut?

Yes! Stored in an airtight container, limes can be frozen for four to six months. For the finest results, we recommend flash-freezing them first. To do so, arrange the lime pieces on a baking sheet, and place them in the freezer for a couple of hours or until solid. Then, just transfer them to a freezer-safe container until you’re ready to use them!

How do I cut a lime to make it look fancy?

Try thin wheels, half-moons, or decorative twists. A small paring knife can help you carve stylish slits or curls for a polished presentation in cocktails or dishes.

A lime being sliced in half on a marble cutting board.

A lime being sliced into wedges on a marble cutting board.

Ways to Use Lime

There are nearly endless ways to use limes and lime juice! Here are some recipes we love with lime for inspiration:

More Kitchen Guides

the Ayyem kitchenServings: 1 serving

Prep: 5 mins
Total: 5 mins

Learn how to cut a lime into wedges or slices and rounds, how to store them, and more to get the most out of this tasty citrus fruit! Email

Ingredients

1 Lime

Instructions

Remove the stickers.1 Lime
Use a sharp knife to slice off both ends.

Wedges/Slices

Stand the lime up on a cutting board, and slice it in half lengthwise.
Flip each half over, and slice them again two or three times from end to end, depending on the desired thickness. If desired, cut the wedges down into halves, fourths, or even eighths.

Rounds

Place the lime on a cutting board, and use a knife to slice widthwise, creating rounds as thin or as thick as preferred.

Equipment

1 Sharp Knife White marble cutting board.

1 Cutting Board

Notes

Storage: Store cut limes in an airtight container in the fridge for up to five to seven days. Or, keep them frozen for up to six months. For the finest results, flash-freeze the lime pieces before transferring them to a freezer-safe container.