How To Cut Lime Wedges For Prettier Garnishes

When it comes to drink garnishes, the lime wedge is one of the most common go-tos. Its bright color, sweet and acidic perfume, along with its taste, make it the ideal finishing touch for a mojito, a perfect gin and tonic, or a Moscow mule. But if you want to up your game when it comes to this citrus fruit, then you may need to change the way you are slicing it up. No more lengthwise cuts needed. At the same time, while this has long been the wedge-cutting standard procedure for many a cook and mixologist, making the incision crosswise will make for a prettier cut.

Similar to cutting the ends of a lemon off to make each side nice and flat, do the same with a lime. This will ensure the fruit isn't going to roll around. Next, cut straight through the lime's equator, crosswise. Place each half cut-side down. This positioning will give you and your knife some stability, making it a whole lot easier to slice up those wedges in the process. Next, slice each lime half into the size wedges you need. This cut creates a stained-glass window effect, showcasing a rainbow-shaped arc of multiple sections of the lime's flesh. Additionally, you don't get any of the rough or uneven-looking wedges that are more likely to happen when you cut a lime lengthwise.

Of course, when it comes to slicing anything, choosing the proper knife is paramount. You need the right one, and for citrus fruits, a chef's knife or paring knife should be your go-to. A paring knife, which is basically a mini version of a chef's knife, works best with small fruits like limes, offering more control. It has a pointed blade that is sharp enough to penetrate a lime peel, while producing precise cuts to delicate fruits. It is also helpful for removing any excess pith from your wedges.

However, there are other mistakes that you can make with limes beyond choosing the wrong knife when cutting them up for garnishes. How you store these fruits is important. Whole limes can be stored on the countertop if you plan to use them within a couple of days. But if you do not have an immediate use for them, place them in the crisper drawer of your fridge so they don't dry out. Additionally, once you've sliced up your lime wedges, you want to store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator.