Lemons and other citrus fruits will ripen on the tree. Once you've picked them, the lemons won't be able to ripen. If you buy them at the supermarket, lemons are usually ripe and can last for several weeks before starting to rot. If the lemon you're picking isn't ripe, you can place it in a sunny place until it turns yellow, but the taste won't get any sweeter. This article will explain some tips for ripening lemons on a tree, as well as what to look out for when choosing lemons.
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Method 1 of 3: Ripening Lemons on the Kitchen Counter
Step 1. Understand that lemons don't ripen once you pick them from the tree
Lemons may turn yellower or softer, but may not be sweeter or more juicy. If you have an unripe lemon and leave it on the counter, it will turn yellow, but it will still have a tart taste.
Step 2. Place the unripe lemon in a sunny place in the kitchen
The ideal location is a kitchen counter that is not exposed to direct sunlight. After a few days have passed, the lemons will become more yellow. Remember, the inside of the lemon isn't actually ripening, and the lemon may still taste tart and unripe even if it has turned yellow. Even so, these lemons can still be used as a nice garnish if you want to add color to a drink or dish.
Step 3. Know that a good indicator of ripeness is not color
A green lemon doesn't mean it's not ripe. You can still get a ripe lemon even if it is a little green. This happens because the lemon ripens from the inside out. The meat will be cooked first, then the skin. If you have an unripe lemon, try cutting it and tasting it. You can also follow the steps in this method to see if the lemon is ripe or not.
Step 4. Don't throw away the unripe lemons
You can use it as a cleaning agent or room freshener.
- You can make an effective scrub for removing stains and rust by mixing lemon juice and salt to make a paste.
- Bring water to a boil in a saucepan, then add a few slices of lemon. You can also add some fragrant herbs (such as rosemary) to this lemon mixture.
Method 2 of 3: Ripening Lemons on Trees
Step 1. Understand what you need to do to keep your lemon tree healthy and producing good fruit
Is your lemon tree bearing fruit, but the fruit won't ripen? Lemon trees need lots of sun and water. You should also trim them to improve air circulation. Without this action, the fruit cannot ripen. In this section, you can find some tips on how to ripen the fruit on the tree. This article also explains how to tell when a lemon is ripe.
Step 2. Understand that lemons take time to ripen
Pick lemons at least 4 months after the flowers bloom. Some types of lemon take up to 9 months to ripen. However, once ripe lemons can last for several weeks on the tree.
- Lemon trees must be mature in order to produce ripe fruit. Some types of lemon trees can bear fruit in a faster time, but the fruit does not ripen. In general, lemon trees can produce ripe fruit after 3 years of age. If your lemon tree has fruited but isn't ripening, try checking the age of the tree.
- Lemons will usually ripen between late November and mid-January. Try to harvest the fruit before mid-January. Otherwise, the next harvest could be hampered.
Step 3. Make sure to plant the tree in a warm and sunny place
Apart from being very necessary for growth, sunlight is also needed so that the fruit can turn yellow. If the tree is grown indoors, place the plant near a window, ideally facing east. Lemon trees need 6-8 hours of sunlight every day. This tree also requires warm weather, and grows best at an average temperature of 21 °C during the day and 13 °C at night. Remember, the lemon tree will be in a dormant state if the temperature drops below 13 °C.
Step 4. Make sure the soil has good drainage
Lemon trees like water, but do not like standing water. So, make sure the soil has good drainage. You can also plant it in an area that is slightly uphill because it can prevent waterlogging.
Step 5. Check the pH of the soil
If the lemons continue to be green for a long time, this could be a sign that the tree is not healthy. Check soil pH with a pH meter, which can be purchased at a farm or gardening supply store. Lemon trees need soil with a pH of 6 to 7.5.
Step 6. Water the lemon tree well, but allow the soil to dry before you water it again
Let the top layer of soil (about 10-15 cm) dry before you water it again. Don't over-water it, and don't let the water stagnate. This can encourage spoilage, mold, and disease.
For the same reason, don't mulch lemon trees (or other citrus trees). Mulch keeps tree roots moist, which increases the chance of root rot. Most home citrus growers also keep the area below the watering line (if using a longitudinal pipe) free of grass and weeds so that stagnant water can evaporate quickly
Step 7. Fertilize lemon trees regularly
Choose a fertilizer specifically designed for citrus as it will provide all the nutrients you need. Lemon trees use a lot of energy to grow and produce leaves, flowers, and fruit. Trees that lack nutrients will not have the energy to produce healthy fruit (this prevents the fruit from ripening).
Lemon trees need a lot of nitrogen to grow. Choose a fertilizer with a higher nitrogen content than potassium or phosphorus
Step 8. Understand that you also have to pollinate trees indoors
Trees planted outdoors pollinate with the help of insects and birds. Trees grown indoors will not get it so it can not produce ripe fruit, or even not bear fruit at all. To pollinate lemon trees grown indoors, use the tip of a cotton bud to transfer pollen from one flower to another.
Step 9. Check if the tree is diseased
If the lemons on the tree don't ripen, you may want to check if the tree is stressed or has a disease. Look for signs of dead leaves or branches. Also, check for mold or mildew on the leaves, which are usually white or black spots. Another sign that indicates the presence of disease is yellow spots on the leaves.
Method 3 of 3: Knowing if a Lemon is Ripe
Step 1. Try picking the first ripe lemons
Lemons don't ripen once they're picked, so you have to pick them at the right time. This section provides some tips on what to look for when choosing lemons. Once you know that, you can't go wrong with picking an unripe lemon.
Step 2. Look for lemons with a bright yellow color
However, don't forget that the lemon will ripen from the inside. This means that the skin will ripen at the last minute. You may still be able to get a ripe, juicy lemon even if the skin is still green.
Meyer lemons have a deep yellow color, some of which can be orange in color
Step 3. Choose a lemon with a weight that matches its size
This means that the lemon contains a lot of water. Most lemons are about 5-8 centimeters long.
Step 4. Check the hardness
A good lemon will be firm, but slightly soft. If the lemon is too firm, the inside won't ripen or shrink.
Meyer lemons have a thinner skin than regular lemons. These lemons are ripe when they are soft. If you can press the rind to a depth of more than 1 inch, the lemon may be too ripe
Step 5. Look for lemons with a smooth or glossy texture
A lemon with a wavy texture means it's undercooked or doesn't contain much water. Another thing to note is the presence of a waxy sheen on the surface of the lemon.
Watch for wrinkles. This indicates that the lemon is overripe
Step 6. Know how to pick a lemon from the tree
When harvesting lemons from trees, it is a good idea to wear garden gloves. Lemon trees usually have thorns that can tear the skin if you are not careful. Look for ripe fruit, then hold it by hand. Next turn the fruit gently. The lemons will come off easily. If you can't pick them up easily, then the lemons are not ripe.
Step 7. Taste the lemon to see if it is really ripe or not
If you want to pick a lemon wedge, but are unsure whether the fruit is ripe or not, try splitting one of the lemons and taste it. Most lemons have a sour, but not bitter taste. However, Meyer lemons have a sweeter taste and are less sour.
