Quick Answer
The juice of 1 medium lime contains approximately:
- 1-2 tablespoons (Tbsp) of juice
- 3-6 teaspoons (tsp) of juice
So the juice of a single medium lime equals about 1-2 Tbsp or 3-6 tsp. The exact amount can vary based on the size and juiciness of the lime.
Calculating Lime Juice Yield
To get a more precise estimate, we need to know:
- The average size and weight of a lime
- How much juice can be extracted from a lime
Average Size and Weight of a Lime
According to the USDA, the average size and weight of a raw lime is:
- Diameter: 1.75 – 2 inches
- Weight: 58 – 76 grams
So an average medium lime weighs roughly 67 grams or 2.4 ounces.
Lime Juice Yield
The amount of juice that can be extracted from a lime depends on:
- Size – Bigger limes yield more juice
- Juiciness – Some limes are juicier than others
- Juicing method – Hand squeezing vs electric juicers
According to various sources, on average limes yield about:
- 3-4 Tbsp juice per 100 grams of lime
- 1.5-2 Tbsp per 50 grams
- 2/3 Tbsp (10 ml) per lime
So for an average 67 gram lime, the expected juice yield is:
- 2 Tbsp (30 ml)
Tables for Reference
| Lime Weight | Expected Juice Yield |
|---|---|
| 100 g | 3-4 Tbsp (45-60 ml) |
| 67 g (avg medium) | 2 Tbsp (30 ml) |
| 50 g | 1.5-2 Tbsp (22-30 ml) |
Tbsp to Tsp Conversion
Now that we know the average juice yield from a lime is about 2 Tbsp, we can convert this to teaspoons (tsp):
- 1 Tbsp = 3 tsp
- So 2 Tbsp = 6 tsp
Therefore, the juice of 1 medium lime equals approximately:
- 6 tsp
Tbsp to Tsp Conversion Table
| Tablespoons | Teaspoons |
|---|---|
| 1 Tbsp | 3 tsp |
| 2 Tbsp | 6 tsp |
| 3 Tbsp | 9 tsp |
| 4 Tbsp | 12 tsp |
Variables That Affect Lime Juice Yield
While the average lime contains about 2 Tbsp (6 tsp) of juice, there are several factors that can affect the actual juice yield:
Lime Size
Bigger limes contain more juice:
- Small lime: 1-1.5 Tbsp juice
- Medium lime: 1.5-2 Tbsp juice
- Large lime: 2-3 Tbsp juice
So juice yield can range from 3 tsp (small lime) up to 9 tsp (large lime).
Lime Type
Some lime varieties are juicier than others:
- Key lime: Less juice, more seeds
- Persian lime: Juicier, fewer seeds
Key limes have less edible flesh and contain more seeds compared to other lime types.
Ripeness
Ripe limes tend to yield more juice than unripe fruit.
Juicing Method
An electric citrus juicer will extract more juice from a lime than hand squeezing.
Lime Temperature
Juice yield can be increased by microwaving limes briefly to soften membranes and warm the juice.
Lime Source
Fresh limes generally have higher juice content than bottled lime juice.
How to Get the Most Juice from Limes
Here are some tips for maximizing the amount of juice you get from limes:
- Select ripe, large Persian limes which are heavy for their size
- Roll the lime firmly on a hard surface before juicing to break down membranes
- Heat limes briefly in the microwave for 10-15 seconds before juicing
- Use an electric citrus juicer rather than hand squeezing
- Squeeze out the remaining pulp by hand after juicing to extract any leftover juice
Using these techniques can result in up to 20-30% more juice yield compared to just a manual hand squeeze.
Lime Juice Nutrition Facts
In addition to providing a tangy, citrusy flavor, lime juice is also nutritious:
Vitamin C
One fluid ounce (30ml) of raw lime juice provides approximately:
- 21% of the Daily Value for vitamin C
- Over 25 mg of vitamin C
Vitamin C is an essential antioxidant that supports immune health and collagen formation.
Additional Nutrients
Lime juice also contains beneficial plant compounds and trace amounts of potassium, vitamin A, calcium, folate and thiamin.
However it’s not a significant source of other vitamins and minerals.
Low Calorie
One ounce of lime juice only contains approximately:
- 8 calories
- 2 grams of carbohydrate
- 0.3 grams of protein
- No fat
So it can provide strong citrus flavor without significant caloric impact.
How Lime Juice is Used
Lime juice has many culinary and non-culinary uses including:
Cooking
Lime juice is commonly used to:
- Add bright, citrusy flavor to marinades, dressings, and sauces
- Tenderize and enhance the flavor of fish and meat
- Provide acidity and balance flavors in recipes
- Make ceviche by “cooking” raw fish or seafood in lime juice
It pairs well with spices, herbs and many types of cuisines including Mexican, Thai, Indian and Middle Eastern.
Beverages
Lime juice is squeezed into:
- Cocktails like gimlets, caipirinhas and mojitos
- Lemonade, limeade and fruit juices
- Iced tea
- Soda water to make lime cordial
It can be used to make non-alcoholic drinks and gives a refreshing citrus boost to many beverages.
Baking
Lime juice and zest add bright flavor to:
- Cakes
- Cookies
- Pies
- Bread
- Desserts
A touch of lime can really elevate sweets and baked goods.
Pickling and Canning
Lime juice is used for:
- Marinating and pickling fruits and vegetables
- Adding acidity to low-acid foods for safe canning
Its acidity allows food to be safely preserved and gives a tart, spicy flavor.
Cleaning
Lime juice can:
- Disinfect cutting boards
- Clean mineral deposits on sinks or appliances
- Freshen the fridge
- Whiten teeth
It has natural antioxidant and antimicrobial properties when used undiluted.
Beauty
Lime juice may be used in:
- Skin and face masks to refine pores
- Hair rinses to enhance shine
- Natural fragrances
It provides vitamin C for the skin and can add luminosity to hair.
Storing Fresh Lime Juice
To retain the best flavor and vitamin C content of fresh squeezed lime juice, store it:
- In a tightly sealed container
- In the refrigerator
- For up to 3 days
For longer storage, freeze the juice in ice cube trays up to 6 months.
Bottled and canned lime juice products can be stored at room temperature unopened for over a year. Once opened, refrigerate and use within 4-6 months.
Lime Juice vs. Lime Juice Concentrate
There are a few key differences between fresh lime juice and commercial lime juice concentrates:
Freshly Squeezed
- 100% juice extracted directly from fresh limes
- Real, bold lime flavor
- Cloudy appearance
- Shorter shelf life
Concentrate
- Made from lime juice evaporated to a thick syrup
- More muted, slightly artificial lime taste
- Clear, uniform appearance
- Longer shelf stability
Concentrates are re-diluted with water when used in recipes. For best results, fresh squeezed lime juice is recommended when possible.
Substituting Lime Juice
If you don’t have fresh limes, these ingredients can work in a pinch:
Bottled Lime Juice
Reconstituted bottled lime juice is the closest option in terms of flavor. Use a 1:1 ratio.
Lemon Juice
Lemon juice has a similar citrus tang but its flavor is not as aromatically “limey.” You may need to add more lemon juice.
Vinegar
White, rice or cider vinegar provide tartness but lack citrus notes. Start with half the amount of vinegar called for in lime juice.
Tamarind Paste
In Mexican and Indian cooking, tamarind can approximate a lime-like sourness. Use about 1 teaspoon paste per lime.
When possible, fresh limes are recommended for optimum results in recipes requiring lime juice. But in a pinch, various substitutions can provide a tart, acidic profile.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why does lime juice yield vary between limes?
Differences in lime size, juice content, variety and ripeness lead to variations in juice yield from each fruit. Larger, riper Persian limes tend to have the highest juice content.
Can limes be juiced in advance?
Yes, lime juice can be squeezed ahead of time then stored in the refrigerator up to 3 days. For longer storage, freeze lime juice in ice cube trays or muffin tins.
What is the shelf life of bottled lime juice?
Unopened bottled lime juice concentrate can last 12-18 months at room temperature. Once opened, it should be refrigerated and used within 4-6 months.
What’s the difference between lime juice and lime cordial?
Lime cordial has additional sweeteners and flavorings added to lime juice. It has a sweeter, more syrupy consistency for use in beverages.
Can you substitute lemon juice for lime juice?
Lemon juice makes a decent substitute but has a milder citrus flavor. You may need to increase the amount of lemon juice or add lime zest.
Conclusion
On average, one medium lime yields around 2 tablespoons or 6 teaspoons of fresh lime juice. Exact amounts vary based on the size and type of lime, ripeness, juicing method and other factors.
When used in cooking, beverages and other applications, fresh lime juice provides vibrant citrus flavor and beneficial nutrients like vitamin C. Proper storage is important to preserve its flavor and health benefits.
While bottled lime juice substitutes are acceptable, fresh squeezed limes have an unparalleled tropical aroma and taste. So for the truest lime experience, juice them by hand or with an electric citrus press.
