Lemons are a staple in many kitchens, used for cooking, baking, cleaning, and even home remedies. However, many people store lemons the wrong way, causing them to spoil too quickly. They often become moldy, dry out, or turn mushy within days.
If your lemons shrivel or rot too soon, don’t worry! This is a common mistake, but the solution is simple. By storing them correctly, you can keep lemons fresh for weeks or even months.
The Mistake That Makes Lemons Spoil Quickly
Most people leave lemons at room temperature in a fruit bowl or store them in a plastic bag in the refrigerator. While these methods may seem convenient, they can actually make lemons go bad faster due to several factors:
- Loss of moisture – Exposure to air dries lemons out.
- High humidity – Excess moisture promotes mold growth.
- Wrong temperature – Room temperature speeds up ripening and decay.
- Ethylene gas – Storing lemons near apples or bananas makes them ripen and spoil faster.
- So, what’s the best way to store lemons and keep them fresh longer? Here’s what you need to do.
The Best Ways to Store Lemons
Store Whole Lemons in the Refrigerator
The refrigerator is the best place to store lemons, but they need to be stored properly to prevent moisture loss and mold.
- Keep them in an airtight container or a resealable bag to prevent drying.
- Place whole lemons in the crisper drawer to keep them fresh for up to four weeks.
- Avoid storing them near apples or bananas, as these fruits release ethylene gas that speeds up spoilage.
- A great trick to keep lemons fresh for even longer is to submerge whole lemons in water in a sealed container in the fridge. This method can keep them fresh and mold-free for up to two months.
Store Cut Lemons Properly
If you have leftover lemon halves, don’t leave them uncovered in the fridge, as they will dry out quickly.
- Wrap cut lemons tightly in plastic wrap or store them in an airtight container.
- Place them cut-side down on a small plate with a few drops of water to retain moisture.
- Use them within three to four days for the best flavor
Freeze Lemons for Long-Term Storage
If you have extra lemons and want to store them for months, freezing is the best option.
- Freeze whole lemons by placing them in a freezer bag. When needed, run them under warm water for a few seconds to soften.
- Freeze lemon slices by arranging them on a baking sheet, freezing them, and then transferring them to a bag. These are great for drinks and recipes.
- Freeze lemon juice and zest by storing juice in ice cube trays and zest in a small airtight container for easy use in cooking.
Additional Tips to Keep Lemons Fresh
- Choose firm, bright yellow lemons without soft spots or green patches.
- Keep lemons dry before storing, as excess moisture promotes mold.
- Avoid storing lemons in plastic bags at room temperature, as plastic traps moisture and accelerates spoilage.
- Wash lemons in a vinegar-water solution to remove mold spores and extend their shelf life.
Final Thoughts
If you’ve been storing lemons on the counter or in a plastic bag, you may have been making them spoil too quickly. By following these simple storage methods, you can keep your lemons fresh, juicy, and mold-free for much longer
