Buzz
Photo: Melpomenem/Getty ImagesHave you ever sliced into a lemon only to find it dry and lacking in juice? Choosing the right lemon can be trickier than it seems. While color is often thought to indicate ripeness, there are other essential factors to assess, such as the fruit's size, texture, weight, and sometimes its aroma.
Here are four straightforward tips to help you select perfectly ripe lemons every time you shop at the grocery store or visit the farmer’s market. Once you master the art of lemon selection, don't forget to store them properly. Lemons can last over a week when kept in an airtight food storage container in the crisper drawer of your fridge. Although slicing them ahead of time is convenient, your lemons will maintain their freshness longer if you cut them just before using. Keep reading to learn the secret to picking a ripe lemon!
Examine the Size
When you're browsing through a pile of lemons at the grocery store, you might be tempted to pick the largest one, thinking it will give you more. However, lemons are typically harvested when they're around 2 to 3 inches in length, as this size is the best sign that they're fully ripe. The Meyer lemon variety is usually smaller but has a unique flavor, blending the tastes of both lemons and oranges.
Observe the Color
Have you ever waited for a lemon to ripen from greenish-yellow to its full color before using it? The truth is, you don't need to wait that long! Lemons are grown and harvested when they show a greenish-yellow hue. While a rich yellow is the ideal sign of ripeness, a touch of green is perfectly fine too.
Assess the Texture
Lemons with smooth skin are a clear indicator of ripeness and maturity. If you spot bumps and uneven grooves on a lemon, it's a good idea to put it back as it likely hasn't fully ripened and may lack juice.
Check its Weight
While firmness is crucial when selecting a ripe lemon, it shouldn't feel overly stiff. Lemons that are both heavy and have a thin, firm skin tend to be the juiciest and most flavorful.
