Buzz
Lemons, a kitchen staple in every household, not only add flavor to dishes but also serve as a key ingredient in many nutritious beverages. Discover the secrets to keeping lemons fresh in our article below.
1. Preserve Whole Lemons with Ease
For whole lemons, explore some effective tips to keep them fresh below:
1.1. Use Newspaper and Ziplock Bags
One simple and clever way to preserve lemons is by using newspaper and ziplock bags. Follow these steps:
- Step 1: Prepare some old newspapers, then tear them into small pieces just enough to wrap the lemons
- Step 2: Completely dry the lemons before wrapping them in newspaper
- Step 3: Wrap the lemons with newspaper and then put them in a plastic bag, sealing it tightly. After that, place it in the cool compartment of the refrigerator for storage
This method not only keeps the lemons fresh for a long time but also prevents them from getting crushed or losing moisture
1.2. Use ziplock bags or plastic bags
In addition to using newspaper and plastic bags, another way to store fresh lemons is to use plastic bags or ziplock bags.
First, after washing the lemons thoroughly, let them air dry or use a towel to dry them. Then, put all the lemons into a ziplock bag or plastic bag and push out all the air inside. Seal the bag tightly and place the lemons in the cool compartment of the refrigerator.
With this storage method, lemons can last for 3 - 4 weeks without worrying about them withering, spoiling, and retaining their natural oil content.
1.3. Preserving Fresh Lemons with Sand
You can also preserve fresh lemons with sand instead of using the refrigerator and still achieve similar effectiveness. Sand has excellent moisture retention properties, allowing lemons to stay fresh at room temperature for up to 20 days.
The process is as follows: First, prepare a perforated foam box. Then, spread a thick layer of damp sand (5 cm) inside. After that, evenly arrange the fresh lemons in the box and cover them with a thin layer of sand on top.
>>> Learn more: Tips for prolonging the freshness of ripe avocados in the refrigerator
2. Guide on preserving freshly cut lemons
For cut lemons, proper preservation requires careful handling. Check out some preservation tips below:
2.1. Reassemble 2 Lemon Slices
One of the ways to preserve freshly cut lemons is to reassemble the two cut sides of the lemon. Use a toothpick to secure the two lemon slices together, then store them in the refrigerator.
This method helps limit the entry of air into the inside of the lemon. As a result, the cut surface of the lemon does not dry out or darken. However, this method is only effective for preserving lemons for 1 - 2 days.
2.2. Preserving Fresh Cut Lemons with Vinegar
For cut lemons, you can preserve them with vinegar following the instructions below:
- Step 1: Prepare a small plate and put a few drops of edible vinegar on the plate
- Step 2: Place the cut surface of the lemon onto the plate. Then, store it in the cool compartment of the refrigerator.
This method allows you to preserve lemons for an additional 1 - 2 days without worrying about spoilage. The acidity in the vinegar helps the lemon surface maintain freshness, preventing it from drying out or becoming bitter.
>>> Read more: How to store fresh baby jackfruit in the refrigerator for gradual consumption
2.3. Preserve with Ziplock Bags
Ziplock bags are not only used for storing whole lemons but also for preserving partially used lemons. With this method, homemakers can store them for about 2 - 3 days without spoilage.
Procedure: Place the lemons in a ziplock bag and remove all the air from the bag. Then, seal the zipper and store it in the cool compartment of the refrigerator for continued use.
2.4. Use Plastic Container with Lid
For partially used fresh lemons, it's advisable to store them in an airtight plastic food container. However, make sure to wrap the lemon slice with food wrap to prevent air exposure. Then, place the sealed lemon container in the refrigerator's cool compartment. This method of preserving freshly cut lemons can extend their storage time to 1 week.
2.6. Transform into Ice Cubes
In addition to the mentioned methods, you can create lemon juice ice cubes for long-term preservation, lasting for several months. The process is simple: soak fresh lemons in saltwater and let them drain. Squeeze out the juice and pour it into an ice tray. Place the tray in the freezer to form lemon juice ice cubes. You can store these cubes in a separate container for extended and prolonged use.
However, depending on the type of lemon, there are suitable methods to extract the juice, such as:
- For larger fruits, simply cut them in half and squeeze the juice. Note to use paper to wrap around the peel when squeezing to absorb the oil and avoid bitterness in the juice.
- For smaller, young lemons, peel them thoroughly and use a slow juicer or a regular juicer for extraction.
- For limequats, you only need to cut the fruit in half and extract the juice since the peel is relatively soft.
2.7. Use Food Wrap
You can immediately utilize food wrap to store partially cut lemons and keep them in the refrigerator. With this method, there's no need for ziplock bags or food containers. Not only that, but it also helps the lemons stay fresh for up to 2-3 days without becoming withered or bitter.
>>> Learn more: Why you shouldn't store tomatoes and potatoes in the refrigerator?
Here are 10 effective, simple, and easy ways to preserve fresh lemons that you can refer to. Save and share with friends or family. Thank you for following the article!
