Lemons are among the useful and acidic fruits that can be consumed in a variety of ways, from introducing a zesty spin to your favorite meals to refreshing your beverage of choice.
But how do you store lemons properly to ensure their freshness and flavor?
In this article, we’ll look at the best ways to store lemons, so you can enjoy them to the fullest.
What Are The Right Conditions To Store Lemons?
When it comes to storing lemons, there are a few environmental factors to consider, most notably temperature, humidity, and light.
Let’s look at them in more detail!
Temperature
Lemons are sensitive to both hot and cold temperatures.
If you store your lemons in a warm, humid place, they may start to spoil quickly.
On the other hand, if you store them in a very cold environment, they may become dry and lose their flavor.
The ideal temperature range for storing lemons is between 45-50 degrees Fahrenheit (7-10 degrees Celsius).
This is why storing lemons in the refrigerator is a great option, as it helps to maintain a consistently cool temperature.
Therefore, if you need to store your lemons at room temperature, make sure to keep them in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight and heat sources.
Humidity
Lemons do best in a low humidity environment as whenever they’re exposed to too much moisture, they typically start developing mold or end up being slimy and no longer edible.
That is why it’s important to keep your lemons in a dry place, even when you’re storing them in the refrigerator!
Light
Like many fruits, lemons are sensitive to light and exposure to direct sunlight can cause them to lose their flavor and color and can also cause them to dry out.
As a result, it’s best to store your lemons in a dark place or in a covered container to protect them from light.
How To Store Lemons
Keep The Lemons At Room Temperature
If you prefer to store your lemons at room temperature, there are a few things you should keep in mind to help them last as long as possible.
First of all, and as we have already mentioned, make sure you choose a cool, dry place to store your lemons to avoid storing your lemons in areas with high humidity or heat sources, such as near a stove or in direct sunlight.
One great option for storing lemons at room temperature is to keep them in a bowl on your kitchen counter.
This way, they’re easily accessible and visible, and you can enjoy the bright color of the lemons as a decorative touch.
Another option is to store your lemons in a cool, dark pantry or cabinet.
This is a good choice if you have limited counter space or if you want to keep your lemons out of sight.
When storing lemons at room temperature, it is also important to remember that they have a limited shelf life.
Even though lemons can last up to a week at room temperature, you should check them regularly for signs of spoilage, such as soft spots, mold, or a sour odor, so if you notice any of these signs, it’s best to throw them out.
Keep The Lemons In The Refrigerator
If you want to keep your lemons fresh for even longer, storing them in the refrigerator is a great option, and with the right approach, you can extend the shelf life of your lemons by several weeks.
To store lemons in the refrigerator and keep them fresh for longer, it is essential that you place them in a plastic bag or container.
This will help prevent moisture loss and protect the lemons from any other foods that may be in your fridge.
However, you can also wrap each lemon individually in plastic wrap if you prefer – not very eco-friendly, though!
Once your lemons are in a bag or container, place them in the crisper drawer of your refrigerator.
This is the most humid part of the fridge, which is ideal for keeping lemons fresh.
Moreover, make sure to keep the lemons away from any strong-smelling foods, such as onions or garlic, which can cause them to absorb unwanted odors.
This way, and if you really store them properly in the refrigerator, your lemons can last up to a month or even longer.
However, it is still important to check your fruits regularly for signs of spoilage and throw them away if you see any.
Keep The Lemons In The Freezer
If you want to always have a supply of lemons available, freezing them might be your best option!
By freezing your lemons, you can extend their shelf life even further and have them on hand for various purposes, such as making lemon zest or juice.
To freeze lemons, you need to first thoroughly wash them with warm water and then pat them dry.
After that, you need to slice the lemons into thin rounds or wedges, depending on your preference.
If you plan on using the lemons for zest, you can also grate the lemon peel and freeze it separately in a small plastic bag or container.
Next, you should place the lemon slices or wedges in a single layer on a baking sheet and put the sheet in the freezer.
Once the lemons are frozen, you can then transfer them to a plastic freezer bag or container and keep them there for up to six months!
The Bottom Line
Whether you prefer to store lemons at room temperature, in the fridge, or freeze them for future use, it’s important to keep in mind the environmental factors that can affect their shelf life.
So, make sure to follow the tips we have shared in this article and you’ll be able to enjoy the bright, tangy flavor of lemons all year round!
Equipment
- Saucepan
Ingredients
- 250 g white caster sugar
- lemon peel thick strip of
- 3 lemons juice
- 2 tbsp vodka optional
To serve
- zest of half a lemon
Instructions
- In a small saucepan, heat 250ml water, the sugar, and the lemon peel until the sugar dissolves, then bring to a boil. Cook for 3 minutes, then remove from the heat and set aside to cool. Remove and discard the lemon peel. 100ml lemon juice, along with the vodka if using, should be added to the sugar mixture.
- Pour into a freezer box and freeze for 1 hour and 30 minutes, then whisk to break up and incorporate the ice crystals (which will develop around the edges) before returning to the freezer.
- For 4 hours, stir the sorbet once an hour to break up the ice crystals. When the mixture is hard but still scoopable, stop mixing and place in the freezer for up to 1 month. Serve sorbet scoops garnished with lemon zest curls.
Video
Nutrition
My blog is all about creating delicious meals with ingredients that are easy to find in your local grocery store. I’m passionate about making yummy meals that I can share with my friends and family.