How to Store Lemons to Keep Them Fresh and Flavorful

Every time you step into a grocery store, you're bound to find a vibrant display of bright yellow lemons in the produce section. These citrus fruits are available year-round, which means you can enjoy refreshing lemonade, Lemony Linguine with Olives and Feta, and even Lemon-Pistachio Bars whenever you wish. Plus, lemons are great natural cleaners, perfect for tackling everything from cutting boards to bathtubs. However, just because lemons are available all year doesn’t mean you should store them carelessly. While not overly delicate, there are a few key storage methods that can help keep them juicy and full of flavor for longer. Continue reading for tips on how to store whole lemons, lemon juice, and more.

How to Store Whole Lemons

How you store whole lemons depends on two things—the ripeness of the lemons when you buy them and when you plan to use them. You can always place lemons in the refrigerator, but if you've bought ripe lemons that you'll use in a day or two, leaving them on the counter works just fine. Just be sure to keep them out of direct sunlight and away from ethylene-releasing fruits like bananas. Both heat and ethylene gas can cause lemons to ripen faster and may change their texture and flavor. Similarly, unripe lemons (those with a greenish hue) can also be stored on the counter. Just keep them away from direct sunlight and other produce that emits ethylene gas. When stored properly, whole lemons can last up to a week on the counter. If they begin to soften, move them to the refrigerator. For lemons you won’t use right away, or if you want them to last more than a week, refrigerating them is the way to go.

How to Store Lemon Wedges and Halves

Whether you’re garnishing a drink or adding a vibrant touch to a dish, cutting a lemon into wedges or halves is a common practice. If you find yourself with leftover lemon pieces, don’t throw them away. Simply cover the exposed flesh with plastic wrap or a produce saver, and store the pieces in a sealed container. This method will keep lemon wedges, halves, or slices fresh for a few days before they begin to dry out.

How to Store Lemon Juice

Lemon juice is an essential ingredient in lemonade and several cocktails, and it's also perfect for brightening up a salad or degreasing pots and pans. If you have leftover lemon juice, the best way to store it is in a sealed bottle or container in the refrigerator, where it will stay fresh for a few days and can be used for drinks or dressings. After a few days, it's better suited for cooking or baking, like in Lemon Poppy Seed Muffins. It will last for about two weeks. To extend the shelf life even further, you can freeze it. The simplest way is to pour the leftover lemon juice into an ice cube tray and freeze it. Once frozen, transfer the cubes to another freezer-safe container. These lemon cubes are perfect for adding a burst of flavor to iced tea, cocktails, or even water.

How to Store Lemon Zest

Lemon zest is perfect for infusing dishes with fresh, bright flavor, like Farfalle with Lemon, Shrimp, and Kale or Lemony Fish with Orzotto. This is why you should always zest a lemon before discarding it, even if you don't immediately need the zest. To store lemon zest, simply place it in a sealed container and keep it in the fridge or freezer. In the refrigerator, it will stay fresh for around six days, while in the freezer, it can last for up to three months. You can use frozen lemon zest in salad dressings, marinades, or cake batters whenever you're ready to use it.

Can You Freeze Lemons?

Contrary to common belief, lemons can be frozen and they freeze quite well. The best approach is to freeze whole lemons. According to Glad, wash and dry the lemons thoroughly before placing them in a freezer-safe plastic bag or food storage container. If you're using a plastic bag, make sure to remove as much air as possible before sealing. With this method, lemons will stay fresh in the freezer for up to four months.

You can also freeze lemon wedges, slices, or halves, though the process differs slightly. Start by placing the lemon pieces on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper to prevent them from sticking together. Once frozen, transfer the pieces to a freezer-safe container or plastic bag and return them to the freezer. Keep in mind that frozen lemons or lemon pieces will have a different texture than fresh ones, often being mushier. However, you can still use the juice and zest from frozen lemons. For best quality, it’s recommended to juice or zest the lemons before freezing them.