How to Store Lemons So They Stay Fresh For Longer (2024)

Corey Williams

·2 min read

These days, when life gives you lemons, you really should keep them fresh for as long as possible. Here’s how to extend your lemons lifespan by at least a few weeks.

How Long Do Lemons Last?

How to Store Lemons So They Stay Fresh For Longer (1)

How long lemons last depends on how they’re stored. At room temperature, they stay good for about a week.

In the fridge, however, their life is lengthened by two to three weeks. That means you can keep store-bought lemons fresh for about one month.

Related: How Much Juice Is In One Lemon?

How to Store Lemons

The best way to store lemons is in an airtight container in the fridge.

We know, we know—lemons look absolutely gorgeous displayed in a bowl on your countertop. Unfortunately, though, that’s kind of the worst place to store them.

Instead of allowing them to spoil quickly at room temperature, pop ‘em in a Ziploc bag and stick them in the refrigerator. While it may take a toll on your spring kitchen aesthetic, it’ll keep them juicy and usable for a whole month.

Related: 40+ Lemon Dessert Recipes

How to Store Cut Lemons

How to Store Lemons So They Stay Fresh For Longer (2)

What if you’ve already cut the lemon in half or into slices or wedges?

Obviously, it’s even more important to keep cut lemons in the fridge. To maximize their freshness, wrap the cut lemon in plastic wrap or beeswax and then wrap them again in aluminum foil.

If you frequently need lemon halves or wedges on hand (for cooking, baking, or flavoring your tea), you might want to purchase a cheap lemon-saving device that’ll make this process easier and more sustainable.

How to Store Lemons So They Stay Fresh For Longer (3)

Buy it! Sur La Table, $5

Stored correctly, cut lemons should last at least four days.

Can You Freeze Whole Lemons?

How to Store Lemons So They Stay Fresh For Longer (4)

Yes, you can! In fact, many people find frozen lemons easier to zest.

To freeze whole lemons:

  1. Place lemons in a freezer-safe bag.

  2. Remove as much air as possible before sealing.

  3. Store in the freezer for three to four months.

To thaw, just let them sit in cold water for about 15 minutes OR zap them in the microwave for a few seconds.

How to Store Lemons So They Stay Fresh For Longer (2024)

FAQs

How to Store Lemons So They Stay Fresh For Longer? ›

How do you store lemons? Store whole lemons in the fridge to help keep them juicier for longer. We know that bowl of citrus on your counter looks pretty, but lemons can dry out when left at room temperature. If you've sliced a lemon in half or have wedges, store in a sealed container and use them within a few days.

How to keep lemons fresh for a long time? ›

Use the crisper section of your refrigerator

According to LaMarita, refrigeration is key for keeping your lemons fresh for a long time. "I store my lemons free-standing in the crisper drawer," he explains. "They can easily last a month or more there."

Do lemons last longer in the fridge or on the counter? ›

Whole lemons can last up to a week if you store them at room temperature on the countertop. 2. Store lemons in the refrigerator. Whole lemons can last for a month in the refrigerator if you store them in an airtight container or a sealed plastic bag in the crisper drawer.

Is it better to freeze lemons whole or sliced? ›

Lemons can be frozen whole but they will be mushy when defrosted although the juice will be fine. You can also freeze lemon slices the same way. The juice can be frozen in ice cube trays for use layer as well as the zest.

What is the best way to preserve lemons? ›

Prepare 1/2 cup of kosher salt and 2 tablespoons of sugar. Open up the lemons at the top and stuff each with plenty of the salt and sugar mixture, then roll them around in whatever remains of the salt and sugar. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate overnight and up to 24 hours.

How to store lemons so they don't get moldy? ›

Give them a quick rinse in cold water with a little bleach in it and then put them into a ziplock bag with a paper towel. Put your lemons directly into the fridge. They'll keep just nicely.

How to keep lemons from getting slimy? ›

Tightly wrap cut lemons in plastic or food wrap, or store in an airtight container or zip-top bag and place them on a refrigerator shelf or in the crisper.

What are the benefits of drinking lemon water? ›

Lemon water is a refreshing drink that can provide vitamin C and help someone maintain hydration. However, lemon water is unlikely to add any significant nutritional benefits. Lemon water is a popular home remedy, with some online sources claiming it can improve digestion, detox the body, or promote weight loss.

Does freezing lemons make them bitter? ›

While the idea of chowing down on a lemon whole, skin and all isn't exactly the most appealing, by freezing lemons the bitter taste of the rind can be eliminated.

Do lemons absorb bacteria in fridge? ›

Apart from health benefits and added nutritional value, lemons can also do wonders for maintaining a clean, shiny, and fresh-smelling home. The citric acid in lemon juice is antiseptic and antibacterial, killing lurking germs, mould, mildew, and other pathogens from surfaces.

How do you make lemons last longer without a refrigerator? ›

Not ready to give up your bowl of lemons as decor? If you'd like to store the citrus at room temperature, be sure to store them away from sunlight. Again, be sure not to store them around other ripening fruits, and they can last up to two weeks on your counter.

How long do lemons last in pantry? ›

If you want to extend the time of your lemons to about two weeks to three weeks, you can keep them in your pantry, away from the summer sun. To get the most of your lemons, the fridge is your best option. You can take the easy route of just popping them in the vegetable crisper drawer and they'll be good for a month.

Can I freeze lemon juice? ›

Instead, squeeze out all the juice (and maybe the juice from a few other languishing lemons, for good measure). Then, measure and pour the juice into the indentations of an ice cube tray, and pop it in the freezer. Once frozen, pop out the juice cubes and store them in a plastic bag.

How do you store lemons so they don't mold? ›

Lemons are best kept in the fridge. Stashed in the fridge on a shelf, fresh lemons remain fresh for a week or more. If you really want your lemons to last, put them in a sealed container or a zip-top bag.

Why does storing lemons in water make them last longer? ›

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.

Can lemons last 3 months? ›

How Long Does Lemon Last. Lemons should keep for about a week on the counter and a few days longer in the pantry! If you transfer them to the refrigerator, you can expect them to last about 3-4 weeks. Now, if you take the extra step and seal the lemons tightly in a sealed bag, they can last for about 5 weeks.

References

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