Despite their high acid content, lemons can rot like any other fruit. Wrinkling, the appearance of soft and hard patches, and a dull color are all signs that a lemon is starting to lose its flavor and juice. Prevent this from happening by learning how to store lemons at the right temperature.
Step
Method 1 of 3: Storing Whole Lemons
Step 1. Save the lemons for immediate use
If you plan to use lemons within a few days of purchase, store them in a place away from direct sunlight. Lemons usually stay fresh for about a week at room temperature. After that, the lemon will begin to shrivel, lose its bright color, and develop soft or hard patches.
Step 2. Store unused lemons in the refrigerator
Place the lemons in a zip-locked plastic bag, and remove as much air as possible from the bag. This way, most of the lemon juice and flavor will last for about four weeks.
The ideal temperature for storing ripe lemons (yellow in color) is between 4º and 10ºC. In most refrigerators, the center shelf or shelf on the door is at that temperature level
Method 2 of 3: Storing Sliced Lemons
Step 1. Cover the cut part of the lemon
Reduce the loss of juice and oxidation of lemons by protecting the cut parts from the air. Here are a few ways to do this:
- Place half the sliced lemon on a small plate, facing down.
- Cover the cut or slice using plastic wrap.
- Place the lemon wedges in the smallest airtight container possible.
Step 2. Put it in the refrigerator
While they can last longer than most other sliced fruits, lemons are best served 2-3 days after they are cut.
Step 3. Freeze the lemon wedges to add to the drink
Freeze the lemon wedges on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, spaced so that each slice does not touch each other. Once frozen, put all the lemon wedges in a sealed plastic bag and store in the freezer for an indefinite period of time.
- Freezing the lemons (or other ingredients) on a baking sheet prevents the slices from sticking together during the icing process.
- Like most other fruits, lemons become too soft after freezing. The best way to take advantage of it is to dip the lemon wedge into the drink straight from the freezer, while it's still firm.
Method 3 of 3: Storing Fruit Juice and Lemon Peel
Step 1. Put the lemon juice in the refrigerator
Despite its high acid content, lemon juice can become a breeding ground for bacteria if placed at room temperature. After about 2-4 days in the refrigerator, the juice will start to lose its taste. Throw it away when the juice looks dull and dark or loses most of its flavor, which usually takes about 7-10 days.
- Do not store lemon juice in transparent bottles, as light will spoil the juice faster.
- Store-bought bottles of lemon juice usually contain preservatives, which can increase the shelf life of lemons for up to several months.
Step 2. Freeze the remaining juice in the ice cube mold
This is the easiest way to freeze excess juice. Once frozen, transfer to a sealed plastic bag and place in the freezer.
Alternatively, put lemon juice in a can
Step 3. Store the grated lemon peel in an airtight container
After you grate the lemon zest, transfer the lemon zest to an airtight glass container. Store in a cool and dry place. Freshly grated lemon rind loses its flavor quickly, and carries a risk of bacterial exposure after 2-3 days.
Step 4. Freeze the remaining grated lemon zest
If you have any grated lemon zest left, place it in a small, compact bag, place on a parchment-lined baking sheet, then transfer to a freezer-safe container.
Tips
- Since lemons are sensitive to ethylene gas, you need to keep them away from products that emit ethylene gas, especially apples.
- When choosing lemons, choose thin skinned ones, so they are not difficult to squeeze. This lemon will release more juice than a hard lemon.
- Green lemons can be stored for four months at 12ºC.
