3 Ways to Store Lemons - wikiHow (2024)

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3 Ways to Store Lemons - wikiHow? ›

Cut lemons will last in the fridge for 2-3 days, but you can also freeze lemon slices by placing them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper in the freezer. Once the lemons are completely frozen, you can put them in a plastic bag and store them in the freezer for several months.

I freeze Lemons & Limes whole all the time. A great way to keep them from going bad. They work fine for juice or zest.

Lemons are best kept in the fridge. Stashed in the fridge in the crisper drawer or on a shelf, fresh lemons will keep for two weeks or more. If you really want your lemons to last, keep them in a sealed container (there are even specialty produce keepers for this purpose) or a resealable plastic bag.

Don't store in plastic

Instead, store them in paper or reusable mesh bags as they're more breathable and allow the air to circulate around the lemons, keeping them fresher for longer.

The best way to store lemons is in an airtight container in the refrigerator — stored this way, whole, uncut lemons will last up to one month. Alternatively, whole lemons can last on the countertop at room temperature for up to one week.

Whole lemons will last in the freezer for up to four months. When you're ready to use one, thaw it in cold water for about 15 minutes or microwave it for about 15 seconds, until soft.

Freezing lemons means you'll always have fresh lemon on hand to add zip to dishes and tang to drinks. You can freeze lemon wedges or slices, lemon zest, lemon juice, or whole lemons. Always wash fruit with soap and water or a fruit and vegetable wash before starting the prep work for freezing.

Studies have found that the flavonoids in lemon help lower your blood pressure as well. Additional research showed this effect enhances the heart-healthy benefits of physical activity. Lemons contain a natural compound called hesperidin that may lower blood sugar levels, decreasing your risk of diabetes.

As we noted earlier, lemons should be kept away from foods that emit ethylene gas, including apples, and pears. Keeping lemons in a sealed container within your crisper drawer adds a layer of protection from these fruits, which may be stored nearby.

Store fresh lemon juice in an airtight container in the fridge for 4–7 days. To preserve for 12–18 months, pour the juice into glass jars and make an airtight seal using a canner, then store in a cool, dry place like a pantry or cabinet. Or, freeze lemon juice in an ice cube tray and use within 3–4 months.

Should you refrigerate apples? ›

Apples are safe at room temperature, but their higher ethylene content contributes to faster ripening. Apples stored in the refrigerator can last for several weeks. Cut produce is more susceptible to pathogens, so storing in the refrigerator can limit pathogen growth.

There are several countries that produce and use a large quantity of lemons, but one of the largest producers and consumers of lemons is Mexico.

As you might be able to guess, keeping citrus at its peak is all about moisture. So how do you keep that moisture inside the porous fruit before it seeps into the air? To prevent this process, citrus should be kept in an environment with high humidity. Keep citrus in a bowl of water in your fridge, sayeth the hack.

When stored in the refrigerator in an airtight container, lemon juice can remain fresh for about 3 to 4 weeks. Make sure the container is thoroughly cleaned and dried before adding the lemon juice to prevent any bacterial growth.