How to Juice a Lot of Limes

Lime, before and after juicing

Bottled lime juice just doesn't compare to fresh-squeezed. If you want to make a killer batch of mojitos or margaritas, or if you're baking a key lime pie, you'll need to juice a lot of limes, which can be time-consuming. With the right preparation and equipment, juicing limes is easy and quick.

Things You'll Need

• Microwave, optional
• Knife
• Juicer, citrus juicer or citrus press

Instructions

1. Allow limes to come to room temperature before you juice them. A cold lime won't yield as much juice as one at room temperature. Microwave limes for about 15 seconds to help release more juice.

2. Roll each lime firmly on the counter top to help break the segments in the fruit, which will release additional juice more readily.

3. Peel the limes with a paring knife, and cut them in small enough pieces to fit in the chute if you're using a juicer that has a masticating, centrifugal or triturating mechanism. Juicers with this mechanism allow you to push the entire fruit through the juicer to separate juice from pulp. These are the best devices to quickly juice a lot limes.

4. Cut the limes in half if you have a citrus press. A citrus press has a space for the lime and a handle you pull down to press and release the juice. Because you have a lot of leverage with a citrus press, you can juice many limes quickly.

5. Use lime halves if you have a citrus juicer. A lime fits over the center of this device. The juice is removed when the juicer turns, if the juicer is electric, or when you turn the lime, if it is manual. This method is not quick, but you will get quite a bit of juice this way.

Tips & Warnings

• If you're using a masticating, centrifugal or triturating juicer, you can leave some lime peel on the fruit for flavor, especially if you're using key limes. Some limes, however, have bitter skins, so start with only a small amount. If you're using an electric citrus juicer, keep steady pressure on the lime. If you're using a manual juicer, take breaks to stretch your hands so your hands don't cramp.

References

• Professor's House
• Best Juicers