No, dark green limes are not the ripest. According to the reference, they are actually the least ripe of all limes.
Lime Ripeness Explained
Limes, like some other fruits, change color as they ripen. Here's a quick breakdown:
- Dark Green Limes: These are the least ripe. Think of them as the "green" stage of ripeness.
- Light Green Limes: These are more common and perfectly acceptable for eating or juicing. They're at a good, usable stage of ripeness.
- Yellow Limes: This is the peak of ripeness. Yellow limes are the sweetest.
| Lime Color | Ripeness Level | Sweetness |
|---|---|---|
| Dark Green | Least Ripe | Lowest |
| Light Green | Moderately Ripe | Moderate |
| Yellow | Most Ripe | Highest |
Reference Information
The reference states: "While dark green limes may be picture-perfect, they are the least ripe of all limes. Like peppers, which go from green to red, limes ripen from a dark green to yellow. Yellow limes are the sweetest and the ripest, though light green limes are very common and perfectly good to eat or juice."
Key Takeaway: If you're looking for the sweetest lime, aim for yellow ones. However, light green limes are still fine for most uses, whereas dark green limes are the least ripe option.
