Despite their acidity, lemons spoil, just like any other type of fruit. In fact, they can dry out, develop spots or other imperfections and take on a dull color: all this portends the loss of juice and flavor. Avoid this by finding out how to store them at the right temperature.
Steps
Method 1 of 3: Store Whole Lemons
Step 1. Store the lemons you will use immediately
If you plan to use them within a few days of purchasing them, keep them out of direct sunlight. They usually keep fresh for about a week at room temperature. At this point they begin to wrinkle, lose their shine and develop spots or other imperfections.
Step 2. Store leftover lemons in the refrigerator
But first put them in airtight bags and eliminate all the air you can. In this state, lemons retain a good part of the juice and flavor for about four weeks.
The ideal temperature for storing ripe lemons is between 4 and 10 ° C. For most refrigerators, the center shelves and door compartments have this temperature
Method 2 of 3: Store the Sliced Lemons
Step 1. Cover the cut side of the lemon
Reduce water loss and oxidation by protecting the cut part from the air. Here are some ways to do it:
- Place the lemon halves on a saucer with the cut side facing down.
- Wrap the wedges or slices in cling film.
- Store cut lemons in the smallest airtight container you can find.
Step 2. Keep them in the fridge after cutting them
Although they last longer than most sliced fruit, lemons will only be good for another 2-3 days.
Step 3. Freeze the slices you intend to add to drinks
Place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and arrange them in a way that prevents them from touching. Once solidified, place them in an airtight plastic bag and leave them in the freezer for as long as you like.
- Freezing lemon slices (or any other food) by placing them on a baking sheet prevents them from sticking together when ice forms.
- As with most fruit, lemons also become mushy when frozen. It is preferable to put the slices directly in cold drinks: do not wait for them to defrost.
Method 3 of 3: Store the Juice and Zest
Step 1. Store the lemon juice in the fridge
Despite its acidity, storing it at room temperature can cause the proliferation of bacteria. After leaving it in the refrigerator for 2-4 days, it will begin to lose its flavor. Once it has become dull and dark or has lost a good part of its taste, throw it away; this usually takes about 7-10 days.
- Don't store lemon juice in clear bottles, as the light will spoil it sooner.
- Purchased lemon juice usually contains preservatives, so it can last for several months.
Step 2. Freeze leftover juice by pouring it into ice trays
This is the easiest way to store excess juice. Once you have the cubes, place them in an airtight plastic bag and store them in the freezer.
Alternatively, store it in glass jars
Step 3. Store the peels in an airtight container
Once the rind is cut, place it in an airtight glass container. Store it in a cool, dry place. Fresh grated rinds quickly lose their flavor and can become a breeding ground for bacteria after only 2-3 days.
Step 4. Freeze the leftover rinds
If you have a lot of them, place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper using a spoon (create compact piles). Freeze them and then transfer them to a freezer-safe container.
wikiHow Video: How To Store Lemons
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Advice
- Since lemons are sensitive to ethylene, care must be taken and avoid storing them together with foods that emit it, especially apples.
- When choosing lemons, look for thin-skinned ones, which yield slightly when you squeeze them. They contain more juice than hard ones.
- Green lemons can be stored for four months at 12 ° C.
