Your baby limes are likely turning yellow because they've been exposed to too much sun after harvesting, or because you simply haven't used them in a timely manner.
Here's a breakdown of why limes turn yellow:
- Sun Exposure:
- Limes, especially after being picked, are susceptible to changes in color when exposed to direct sunlight.
- The sun's rays can cause the chlorophyll (the green pigment) in the lime's peel to degrade, revealing the underlying yellow pigments.
- This process can also affect the lime's flavor, potentially making it less tart or even bitter.
- Over-Ripening/Storage Time:
- Limes, like all fruits, ripen over time. As they ripen, the green color naturally fades, and the yellow becomes more prominent.
- If you've had your limes for a while, particularly if stored at room temperature or in a sunny location, they're simply ripening.
- Ethylene Gas:
- Exposure to ethylene gas, released by other ripening fruits (like bananas, apples, etc.), can accelerate the ripening process in limes, leading to a faster color change.
To prevent limes from turning yellow too quickly:
- Store them properly: Keep limes in the refrigerator, preferably in a plastic bag or airtight container, to slow down the ripening process.
- Avoid direct sunlight: Store limes away from direct sunlight.
- Use them promptly: Use limes as soon as possible after harvesting or purchasing them.
- Separate from ethylene-producing fruits: Store limes away from bananas, apples, and other fruits that produce ethylene gas.
