How to Cut Lemons & Limes

Yumna Jawad

4.94 from 32 votes

Learn how to cut lemons and limes perfectly with this easy step-by-step tutorial showing two easy methods for cutting into slices or wedges.

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Whether you want wedges or slices, follow this tutorial and learn how to cut lemons and limes like a pro. Sliced lemon rounds make gorgeous toppings on tarts and cakes, and lemon and lime wedges are indispensable in the kitchen for garnishing and seasoning.

Large lemon on cutting board getting cut with large knife
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why learn to cut lemons & limes

  • You’ll have beautifully garnished recipes and meals – like restaurant style citrus!
  • You can maximize the juice from the lemons and limes with proper cutting.

How to cut lemons & limes

You don’t have to have culinary knife skills to get gorgeous, uniform slices. A little time, practice, and patience is all you need to master your cuts.

Cut into slices

  1. Hold a clean lemon or lime, stand it on its side and using a sharp knife, slice off the bottom.
  2. Slice into the desired thickness, trying to keep slices even.
  3. Keep slicing until you reach about a half inch on the other end.
3 image collage to show how to cut limes in slices

Cut into wedges

  1. Hold your clean lemon or lime on its side and slice off the top and bottom.
  2. Stand your fruit up vertically and cut in half.
  3. Remove the seeds that you can see.
  4. Lay each half on the cutting board – one cut side down – and slice into desired wedge sizes. You can cut each half in half and then in half again to end up with 8 wedges total.
4 image collage to show how to cut lemons into wedges

Tips for cutting lemons & limes

  1. Always Use a sharp knife. A sharp knife makes cutting easy. Dull knives make cutting almost impossible.
  2. Be mindful of the direction that you’re cutting. Lemon wedges cut from a lemon halved lengthwise are move flexible and easier to squeeze than those cut horizontally.
  3. Cut carefully: Always, remember to use the claw – tuck your fingers in to avoid injuring yourself.
Two bowls of lime slices and lemon wedges

how do you store cut lemons & limes

Wrap tightly or pack into a sealed bag. They should last 3 to 4 days. For the juiciest fruit, remove it from the fridge 30 minutes before using it.

Frequently asked questions

How do you stop lemons from drying out after being cut?

To maintain lemon and limes’ moistness, cover them. (That’s why bartenders keep their garnishes in those covered trays!) Ideally, try to cut right before using – that is when the fruit contains its highest concentration of vitamin C.

Is there an easy way to de-seed citrus?

For wedges, try standing each one up lengthwise and making a narrow slice, cutting off the white membrane holding the seeds. Use the tip of the knife to flick off any stragglers. For lemon or Iime rounds, no real shortcuts: use the knife tip to poke out the offenders.

How do you cut lemons for drinks?

Depending on your recipe, you might need lemon rounds or wedges. If your drink needs a higher acidity, go for wedges. For drinks that need a more subtle flavor or just a little bit of tartness, use rounds.

Cutting board with lemon wedges and lime slices

Go sharpen your knife, cut up some lemons and/or limes, and add some zing to your glass of bubble water or slice of grilled fish. Now you know how to cut lemons and limes – whether it’s wedges or slices!

More kitchen knife tutorials:

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Large lemon on cutting board getting cut with large knife
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How to Cut Lemons & Limes

Learn how to cut lemons and limes perfectly with this easy step-by-step tutorial showing two easy methods for cutting into slices or wedges.
4.9 from 32 votes
Author Yumna Jawad
Servings 1 serving
Course Ingredient
Calories 31
Prep Time 5 minutes
Total Time 5 minutes

Ingredients
  

  • 1 Lemon or Lime

Instructions

For Slices

  • Holding the lemon or lime on its side, remove half an inch off the bottom.
  • Slice into desired thickness until you reach about an half inch or the pith on the other end

For Wedges

  • Holding the lemon or lime on its side, remove half an inch off the top and bottom.
  • Stand the lemon or lime up vertically and slice in half, then remove seeds.
  • Lay each half on the cutting board and slice into desired wedge sizes. You can cut each half into fourths to make up to 8 wedges total.
  • If desired, slice the pith off from each wedge.
  • Add to drinks or use for garnish.

Notes

Storage: Cut lemons and limes can be kept covered and refrigerated for a day or two.

Nutrition

Calories: 31kcal, Carbohydrates: 10g, Protein: 1g, Fat: 1g, Saturated Fat: 1g, Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g, Monounsaturated Fat: 1g, Sodium: 2mg, Potassium: 149mg, Fiber: 3g, Sugar: 3g, Vitamin A: 24IU, Vitamin C: 57mg, Calcium: 28mg, Iron: 1mg

Nutrition information provided is an estimate. It will vary based on cooking method and specific ingredients used.

Diet: Gluten Free, Vegan, Vegetarian
Cuisine American
Course: Ingredient

Photo Credit: Erin Jensen

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