I used a lime for zesting exposing the pith. Can I store it for just as long as if could if I left it untouched?
If you did it right it should last for a while. You only want the thin colored part of the rind for zest. It’s probably a little more water permeable, so maybe you could wrap it in plastic and refrigerate it. I’ve found the rind starts to go bad before the pulp.
No. It will mold much more quickly without the peel protecting the flesh. I would try to use it within a week.