10 Benefits of Keeping Lemons in Your Fridge

Lemons are a multi-purpose, tangy fruit perfect for everything from garnishing grilled dishes to adding flavor to various desserts like cakes and pies. But the lemon's potential goes beyond these uses. For instance, did you know that lemon juice can assist in the process of boiling eggs?

There are numerous benefits to keeping a stock of lemons in your fridge (and it's essential to refrigerate them – they'll stay fresh much longer that way). In case you need more convincing, we've gathered 10 creative, practical, and intriguing ways to use these tart fruits, from elevating ice cubes to potentially reducing the risk of skin cancer.

10: Adding Zest

Lemon zest is a beloved ingredient known for its intense citrus aroma, derived from the oils found in the peel. Often used as a garnish, lemon zest can be finely minced or sliced into long strips, depending on the dish.

To create lemon zest, simply grate the colorful outer layer of the lemon peel or slice it thinly with a sharp knife or peeler. Be cautious to avoid the bitter white pith underneath, as it will leave an unpleasant taste in whatever dish it's added to. If you're preparing a large amount of zest, a zester tool can make the process much easier.

Fun Fact: Zests from oranges and limes also add delightful flavors to your cooking.

9: Creating Gremolata

If you're looking to reduce your sodium intake or simply want to try something new to elevate your dishes, gremolata is an excellent option. This Italian condiment is traditionally paired with meat and seafood, especially veal shanks. However, if you're a fan of garlic and citrus, gremolata can also replace salt and pepper in many recipes.

To prepare gremolata, simply combine equal amounts of lemon zest, parsley, and garlic, and you’ll have a versatile garnish that can enhance nearly any dish. If the garlic flavor is too strong, you can mellow it out by adding a few drops of olive oil into the mixture.

8: Boiling Eggs

If you enjoy hard-boiled eggs, keeping some lemons nearby is a smart idea. Before adding the eggs to boiling water, lightly brush some lemon juice on the shells to prevent cracking. You can also add a teaspoon of lemon juice to the water, which will make peeling the eggs much easier once they're cooked. Don’t worry about the juice altering the flavor – as long as you use it sparingly, the taste will remain unaffected.

Fun Fact: Adding a spoonful of lemon juice to boiling water will prevent rice from sticking together and clumping. A teaspoon can also keep potatoes and cauliflower from browning while boiling.

7: Reviving Soggy Lettuce

Few things can ruin a salad like soggy lettuce. But don’t worry, lemons can come to the rescue. To refresh limp greens, simply squeeze a halved lemon into a bowl of cold (but not icy) water. Place the lettuce in the bowl and refrigerate for about an hour. After drying it off, your lettuce will be crisp again, perfect for a fresh salad. However, if your bag of greens has turned into a mushy mess, it might be time to ditch the salad and rethink your dinner plans.

6: Preserving Produce

In addition to its many uses, lemon juice can help keep freshly cut fruits from turning brown. No one likes discolored fruit, so this simple trick is perfect for preparing dishes like fruit salad or guacamole. Just squeeze lemon juice onto the fruit slices and it will maintain its vibrant color for a while. The effect can last from a few minutes to several hours, and it works on a variety of fruits such as avocados, apples, nectarines, pears, peaches, and apricots.

While the acidic properties of lemon juice can delay the natural oxidation of fruit, it may also slightly alter the taste. [source: Florida Agricultural] For most people, the lemon juice enhances the flavor of the fruit, but ultimately, your taste buds will determine how it affects the dish.

5: Enhancing Flavor

Did you know that adding lemon juice to your meals can help lower your sodium intake? Too much sodium can elevate blood pressure and increase the likelihood of heart attacks or strokes. On average, Americans consume around 7,000 milligrams of sodium daily, while the recommended limit is 2,300 milligrams [source: redOrbit].

Lemon juice is an excellent, sodium-free way to enhance the flavor of your food. It works wonders on a wide variety of dishes, from chicken, beef, seafood, and vegetables to tofu. Many people find that lemon brings out flavors that salt often masks. If you want to switch things up, the bright, zesty notes of pineapples, oranges, and limes also make for fantastic flavor enhancers.

4: Combating Cancer

Drinking hot black or green tea with lemon peel has been shown to lower the risk of certain types of skin cancer by as much as 70 percent [source: BBC]. Lemon acts as a sunburn deterrent, which in turn helps to prevent skin cancer. The combination of tea and lemon peel works to shield the body from the harmful UV rays of the sun, the primary cause of skin cancer. To experience these benefits, you must drink hot tea. Iced tea is much less effective in cancer prevention, as the ice dilutes the beneficial compounds in both the lemon and tea [source: BBC].

Instead of reaching for your usual morning coffee, try adding a lemon peel to your hot tea. It may help protect against the most common form of cancer in the United States, and it also tastes delicious [source: Stanford]. Meanwhile, coffee will simply give you that initial jolt of energy.

3: Chilling Beverages with Flair

The scorching summer weather can leave you feeling drained and thirsty. A refreshing way to rehydrate is by incorporating lemon juice into your ice cubes. No matter what beverage you're chilling, be it water, soda, or even tea, a hint of lemon can enhance the flavor. Simply cut a fresh lemon in half and squeeze it into the water when filling your ice cube trays. In just a few hours, you'll have a zesty addition to any drink.

For an extra burst of flavor, skip the water and freeze only lemon juice in your trays. The result will be a tangy and tart ice cube, perfect for spicing up any iced drink.

2: Making Lemonade

Got a heap of lemons? Why not whip up some refreshing lemonade! But you don’t have to settle for the same old tart drink that kids sell at lemonade stands. Lemons are incredibly versatile, so you can mix in all kinds of exciting flavors to make your own unique version. Try adding pineapple or watermelon juice, or even blend in some blueberry puree for an unexpected twist. For something really daring, stir in a little chocolate syrup. And for adult gatherings, consider spiking your lemonade with some white wine or vodka.

Of course, there’s nothing wrong with good old-fashioned lemonade made with ice, fresh lemons, sugar, and water. After all, this simple classic is a staple that never goes out of style, which is why kids can turn it into a mini business opportunity during the summer months.

1: Ensuring Good Health

While lemonade may be a classic, many people don't realize the amazing benefits of lemon water (which is essentially lemonade without the sugar). It's a natural and delicious remedy for numerous common health issues. For instance, gargling lemon water three times a day for one minute can help soothe a sore throat. It also helps detoxify your kidneys, liver, and blood [source: Wellsphere].

Like tea, hot lemon water can be especially beneficial. Sipping it warm can do wonders for your digestive health, relieving symptoms like nausea, heartburn, constipation, and diarrhea. If you drink it first thing in the morning, it helps clear out your digestive and circulatory systems, as well as flushing out your bowels. It might even rid your gut of unwanted parasites [source: Wellsphere].