Promote key limes heavily when they are in season. Their short availability window means that consumers who want them don’t have long to find them. Limes are a popular garnish for drinks and are a favorite in baked goods, so encourage shoppers to pick some up by offering plenty of size and packaging options.
Shipping
40-lb. cartons (California, Mexico) 38-lb. cartons, bruce box (Florida) 10-lb. cartons, pony box 2-lb. mesh bag True count box (Mexico) RPC 6416, 6419, 6420, 6423 Foodservice packs 10- and 38-lb. cartons 5- and 20-lb. packs 3-lb. bags
Grades
U.S. No. 1 U.S. Combination U.S. No. 2
Handling
Temperature: 55 F, 12.8 C Relative humidity: 85-90% Mist: yes Typical shelf life: 14 to 28 days Odor producer (Do not store or transport odor-sensitive items with commodities that produce odors. Limes produce odors that will be absorbed by meat, eggs and dairy products.) Highly sensitive to freezing injury. (Likely to suffer injury by one light freezing.) Susceptible to chilling injury (Damage sometimes is not apparent until produce is returned to a higher temperature.) Extended storage at temperatures below 50 F causes brown pitting. Keep product out of sunlight, which causes limes to turn yellow and deteriorate. However, subjecting limes to strong sunlight often will cause the juice content to rise. Keep cartons off the floor to prevent dampen-ing. Store in a well-ventilated area. If it is necessary to hold limes overnight or over weekends, keep them refrigerated. Avoid putting limes in contact with ice, which can cause overchilling.
1 medium lime = about 1/4 cup juice
