How Many Ounces of Lime Juice Are in One Lime?
One medium lime typically yields about 1 to 2 ounces of lime juice, depending on its size and juiciness.
Fresh lime juice adds vibrant flavor to cocktails, marinades, and recipes. But how much juice can you expect from a single lime? This guide reveals the exact measurements plus pro tips for maximizing juice yield.
How Much Juice Is in One Lime?
After extensive testing with various lime sizes, we found consistent results:
| Measurement | Amount |
|---|---|
| 1 average lime | 1 fl oz (2 tablespoons) |
| 1 large lime | 1.5 fl oz (3 tablespoons) |
These measurements account for juice extracted using both manual squeezing and electric juicers. While limes may appear similar in size, weight is a better indicator of juice content than visual size.
Factors Affecting Lime Juice Yield
1. Lime Freshness and Ripeness
Look for limes with:
- Firm, tight skin (indicates plump juice sacs)
- Smooth rind surface (shows internal pressure from juice)
- Vibrant green color (yellowing indicates over-ripeness)
2. Preparation Techniques
Maximize your yield with these methods:
- Roll limes firmly on countertop before cutting
- Microwave for 10-15 seconds to soften membranes
- Use a quality citrus juicer with ribbed cone
- Apply pressure in multiple directions when squeezing
Lime Juice Conversions for Recipes
Use this handy reference when substituting fresh lime juice:
| Recipe Requirement | Fresh Limes Needed |
|---|---|
| 1 tablespoon | ½ lime |
| ¼ cup (2 oz) | 2 limes |
| ½ cup (4 oz) | 4 limes |
| 1 cup (8 oz) | 8 limes |
Storing Fresh Lime Juice
Preserve freshness with these storage methods:
Refrigeration
Fresh juice lasts 3-4 days in airtight glass containers. Add a thin layer of olive oil to prevent oxidation.
Freezing
Pour juice into ice cube trays (1 oz per cube). Frozen lime juice maintains quality for 4-6 months.
Professional Lime Juice Tips
Bartenders and chefs recommend:
- For cocktails, strain juice through fine mesh to remove pulp
- Add zest to boost aromatic qualities in baked goods
- Combine with simple syrup for balanced acidity in drinks
- Use within 2 hours for peak flavor in ceviche applications
According to AllRecipes, the average Persian lime yields about 1 fluid ounce of juice. However, key lime varieties may produce slightly less at about ¾ ounce per fruit.
Lime Juice Alternatives
When fresh limes aren’t available:
Bottled Lime Juice
Look for cold-pressed, 100% juice options without preservatives. Orchid Island brand offers a quality refrigerated product.
Lime Cordial
For cocktails like gimlets, try homemade cordial using fresh juice, zest, and citric acid for balanced tartness.
