Lemons are a citrus fruit rich in antioxidants that can be used to season dishes or to add a tangy note to desserts. Like all other fruits, lemons can rot after a certain period of time. In fact, it is difficult to store them for very long. They can become tarnished, crumpled, and some parts can become soft. If your lemons look like this, it means they have lost their freshness and juice. Find out how to keep your lemons in good condition for up to 3 months with this tip.
To enjoy the benefits of lemons, you need to eat them fresh. Like all fruits, this citrus fruit rots quickly. However, there are a few things you can do to preserve your lemons for up to 3 months.
What is the trick to keeping lemons fresh for up to 3 months?
To keep a lemon fresh and juicy for up to 3 months, place it in a bowl of cold water in the refrigerator. The water will tighten the skin of the lemon and keep the juice fresh for up to 3 months, as long as you change the water regularly. This way, the lemons will keep their freshness.
Other tips for storing lemons successfully ?
If you intend to use the lemons only a few days after purchase, you can keep them at room temperature and away from light. They can stay fresh for up to a week. However, if you don’t plan to use them quickly, it’s best to store them in airtight containers, or in freezer bags with a zipper, making sure to remove as much air as possible. Then keep them in the refrigerator, ideally at a temperature between 4 and 10°C. This way, you can keep your lemons and retain their flavor and juice for up to a month.
If you have cut lemons, you can also preserve them. Simply cover the cut part with cling film to protect it from the air and avoid its oxidation and put it in the refrigerator. This way you will keep your cut lemons for a long time. It is however advised to consume the lemons, preferably 2 or 3 days after having cut them.
Note that lemons do not freeze. However, you can freeze the juice or the peel. You can fill the ice cube tray with lemon juice to keep it fresh. When the juice cubes become frozen, remove them and store them in a freezer bag in the freezer. As for the lemon peel, remove it with a zester and put it in an airtight freezer bag and keep it in the freezer.
With these simple steps, you will be able to keep your lemons fresh for at least a month, as well as their juice and peel.
