How to Store Lemons the Right Way (So they last longer)
Lemons are a versatile fruit that can be used in sweet and savory dishes alike. From adding a fresh squeeze of lemon juice to roasted vegetables to using lemon zest to flavor frosting or icing, there are endless ways to use this tart and juicy fruit. But do you know how to store lemons the right way so they last longer?
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I can’t wait to share with you all of these ways to store lemons and what to do with leftover lemons, too!
There are a few different ways to store lemons, depending on how you plan to use them.
Should I Refrigerate Lemons?
For long-term storage, lemons will last the longest by storing them in the fridge. You can expect them to stay fresh for up to four weeks. Storing them in glass jars is the best way to seal their freshness.
Not only does keeping lemons in the fridge make them last longer, but it also maintains the soft texture of the rind and keeps their flavor intact.
Did you know that when lemons are fresher? They are sweeter and less acidic than when they are older and start to dry out, which happens more quickly at room temperature.
If you need lemons for a recipe or to make lemonade, the best way to be prepared is to grab them from the fridge a day or two ahead of time so they have a chance to come to room temperature.
At Room Temperature
Lemons stored at room temperature have a shelf life of about a week. If you need to store lemon for a recipe and don’t have time to wait for them to come to room temperature from the refrigerator, the best way to keep them is at room temperature. Just be sure to use them within a week.
If you happen to have unripe (greenish) lemons store them on the counter inside a brown lunch bag until they turn yellow, then put them in the refrigerator.
Best Airtight Container to Store Lemon
Using an airtight container is the right way to store lemons in order to keep lemons fresh and cut lemons fresh the longest. You can certainly use a zip-top bag as a way to store lemons; however, to keep them fresh longer, glass jars are the way to go. Bottom line is to keep lemons their freshest, you need to use an airtight container like these.
Can you Freeze Lemons?
Yes! You can most certainly store lemons and store lemon juice in the freezer. Lemons can be frozen whole, in slices, or as lemon juice.
How to Store Lemons in the Freezer
When freezing whole lemons, choose lemons that are ripe but still firm. Wash the lemons and dry them thoroughly. Place the whole lemons in a freezer-safe zip-top bag, plastic bag, or another airtight container, and place the whole lemons in the freezer.
After a few hours, you will have frozen lemons. This is how to store lemons in the freezer and keep lemons fresh for future use!
Frozen lemons will last for up to 3 months in an airtight container or plastic bag.
To freeze lemon slices, wash and dry the lemons, then cut lemons into slices, rounds, or wedges. Place the cut lemons on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, and place them in the freezer. Once frozen, transfer the lemon slices to a freezer-safe bag or airtight container.
Frozen lemon slices will last for up to 3 months in an airtight container or plastic bag.
To freeze lemon juice, simply pour freshly squeezed lemon juice into ice cube trays and place them in the freezer. Once frozen, transfer the lemon juice cubes to a freezer-safe bag or airtight container to store lemon juice.
Frozen lemon juice will last for up to 3 months.
7 Easy Methods on How to Store Lemons
Method 1
Store lemon slices or even lemon halves in a freezer-safe bag or container and freeze to keep them fresh. Frozen lemons can last up to three months.
Freeze lemon halves to store them and to keep them fresh in order to enjoy frozen lemons and recipes with lemons year-round!
Method 2
Add lemon juice to ice cube trays and freeze for up to 3 months. Frozen lemon juice is a great way for storing lemon juice to stay fresh for use in cooking and recipes.
Freeze lemon to have fresh lemon recipes year-round!
Method 3
Store leftover lemon zest in a glass jar or container in the fridge for up to 1 month. Lemons last the longest in airtight containers.
Method 4
Mix together equal parts lemon juice and honey and store in a glass jar or container in the refrigerator for up to 1 month.
Method 5
Add lemon slices or lemon halves to a Mason jar or other airtight container and store in the fridge for up to 2 weeks to keep fresh.
Method 6
Make a batch of limoncello liqueur out of leftover lemons and store it in a glass bottle or jar in the fridge for up to 2 months.
Method 7
Make a batch of preserved lemons and store them in a glass jar or airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 1 year.
With these 7 methods for storing lemons, you can enjoy fresh whole lemons or cut lemons all year long!
Leftover Lemons
If you only use half a lemon make sure to use it within a few days before it dries out. To store lemons that are leftover, store them in a sealed container in the refrigerator and it will maintain their flavor for a couple of days.
After that, it’s best to use the lemons for cooking or baking or freeze them. Here are some creative ways to use leftover lemons.
50 Ways to Use Leftover Lemons & Lemon Juice
Lemons are a versatile fruit that can be used in sweet or savory dishes. If you have leftover lemons, here are a few ideas for how to use them:
- Add frozen lemons or slices to your water
- Make a homemade lemonade recipe
- Add juice from lemons to salad dressings or marinades
- Use lemon zest to flavor baked goods
- Make a batch of preserved lemons
- Use lemon juice to cleanse and exfoliate your skin
- Freshen up your garbage disposal by grinding up lemon peel in it
- Make a pot of lemon verbena tea
- Add lemon juice to your homemade hummus recipe
- Use lemon slices, juice from lemons or whole lemons to flavor seafood dishes like fish tacos
- Add lemon zest to homemade pasta dough
- Use lemon juice and zest to flavor rice dishes like risotto or pilaf
- Make a batch of limoncello liqueur as a way to store lemons
- Use lemons and lemon juice to brighten up fruit salads or vegetable dishes
- Add lemon slices to cocktails for a tart and refreshing flavor
- Make a batch of lemon curd to use as a spread
- Use lemons and lemon juice to tenderize meat before cooking your recipe
- Squeeze lemon juice over slices of avocado toast for a quick and easy breakfast or snack
- Add lemon zest to a baking recipe like muffins, quick bread, or pancakes for a citrusy flavor
- Use the juice of whole lemons & zest to flavor dishes like macaroni & cheese or quesadillas
- Mix together equal parts lemon juice and honey to make a sore throat remedy
- Add a few drops of lemon essential oil to a diffuser to freshen up your home
- Make a batch of homemade lemonade popsicles for a refreshing treat
- Use lemon zest to flavor yogurt or oatmeal
- Add lemon juice to pancake or waffle batter for a tart and citrusy twist on a classic breakfast
- Make a batch of sweet and tangy lemon bars for a delicious dessert recipe
- Use lemons and lemon juice and zest to flavor savory dishes like chicken, fish, or pork chops
- Add frozen lemons or slices to iced tea for a refreshing drink
- Make a batch of lemon scones or muffins for a quick and easy snack or breakfast dish
- Use lemon zest to flavor frosting or icing for cakes or cupcakes
- Add lemon juice to soups or stews for a tart and tangy recipe
- Use lemon zest to flavor sugar or salt for a fragrant and citrusy twist on a pantry staple
- Make a batch of homemade lemonade concentrate to have on hand for when you need it
- Add lemon slices to hot tea for a refreshing treat
- Use lemon juice to make a vinaigrette for salads
- Add lemon zest to quick bread or muffins for a tart twist
- Use lemon juice and zest to flavor cakes, cupcakes, or frosting
- Make a batch of lemon curd to use as a topping
- Use cut lemons or lemon slices to decorate cakes or cupcakes
- Add lemon zest to salad dressings
- Use lemons and lemon juice to make a refreshing sorbet or granita
- Add lemon slices to cocktails or mocktails for a tart and refreshing treat
- Use lemon zest to flavor baked goods like muffins, quick bread, or scones
- Make a batch of preserved lemons to use in savory dishes like chicken or fish
- Use lemon juice and zest to flavor frosting, icing, or filling for cakes or cupcakes
- Add lemon slices to lemonade for a refreshing drink
- Use lemon juice and zest to flavor seafood dishes like ceviche
- Add lemon slices or wedges to mocktails for a tart and refreshing flavor
- Use lemon juice to make a vinaigrette for roasted vegetables
- Add lemons and lemon zest to store-bought marinades for a tart and citrusy flavor
How to Store Limes
Limes, lemons, and other citrus fruits are best stored in the fridge, in a plastic bag or container. Like lemons, limes stored this way will last for up to 2 weeks.
To keep limes fresh even longer, you can mix together equal parts lime juice and honey, and store the mixture in a glass jar or container in the refrigerator. This mixture will keep limes and other citrus fresh for up to 1 month.
Another way to keep limes fresh and extend the shelf life of limes is to make a batch of limeade and store it in the refrigerator. This homemade limeade will keep for up to 2 months.
Finally, you can also make a batch of preserved limes and store them in the fridge. Preserved limes other preserved citrus will last for up to 1 year when stored in a glass jar or container.
Try My Favorite Lemon Recipes
