Lemons are a citrus fruit that can be used for a variety of purposes, from adding a tart and tangy flavor to many dishes to using their juice as a natural cleaning agent. As with any produce item, you want to ensure that your lemons stay as fresh as possible for a long time. With proper storage, you can keep your lemons fresh for up to a month.
Selecting Lemons
When selecting lemons, look for ones that have a bright yellow color and feel heavy for their size. Avoid lemons with soft spots or that have any mold on them. Once you have selected your lemons, it’s important to store them properly to ensure that they stay fresh.
Storing Lemons at Room Temperature
One way to store lemons is at room temperature. To do this, place the lemons in a large bowl or basket and keep them uncovered. Make sure the bowl or basket is in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight. This is the most common way of storing lemons and is best for lemons that will be used within a few days.
Storing Lemons in the Refrigerator
If you plan to store your lemons for an extended period of time, it’s best to keep them in the refrigerator. To do this, place the lemons in a plastic bag and place them in the crisper drawer. This will keep them fresh for up to a month.
Preventing Lemons from Drying Out
If you are storing lemons at room temperature, it’s important to make sure they don’t dry out. To do this, periodically mist the lemons with water. This will help keep them from drying out and will help them stay fresh longer.
Freezing Lemons
Another option for storing lemons is to freeze them. To do this, first wash and dry the lemons thoroughly. Then, cut them into slices or wedges, depending on how you plan to use them. Place the slices or wedges on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and place in the freezer for several hours. Once frozen, you can transfer the slices or wedges to a freezer-safe container or bag and store in the freezer for up to six months.
Using Lemon Juice
If you don’t plan to use the lemons whole, you can also store the juice to use later. To do this, simply squeeze the juice from the lemons and store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Lemon juice can be stored in the refrigerator for up to a week.
Adding Lemon Zest
You can also store lemon zest to use later. To do this, grate the zest from the lemons and spread it on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Place the baking sheet in the freezer and freeze for several hours. Once frozen, transfer the zest to an airtight container or bag and store in the freezer for up to six months.
Conclusion
Storing lemons correctly is key to ensuring that they stay as fresh as possible for a long time. Lemons can be stored at room temperature, in the refrigerator, frozen, or as juice and zest. With proper storage, you can keep lemons fresh for up to a month, and frozen for up to six months.