Lightly scratch the skin and if the fruit smells distinctly citrusy, it’s probably ready. Under-ripe limes won’t have much of an odor.
Weigh the lime – When choosing limes, compare the weight. Heavier limes, for their size, hold more juice.
Check for color – Limes ripen in the opposite order you might expect – they actually start green and, as they ripen, they turn yellow. That’s not to say you want yellow limes, they’re too far along. But a brighter green lime is riper and will have more juice than a darker green one.
Give it a little squeeze – A good juicy lime will give a little to thumb pressure. The skin will be shiny and healthy: Too hard and you won’t get much juice. On the other hand, too soft, too wrinkly, too spotty, too dry, isnt good either. Just a little give is what you’re looking for.
