Avoid these lemon storage mistakes or they’ll rot fast
Mistakes to avoid when storing lemons (Photo: Freepik)
Many home cooks face the problem of lemons spoiling quickly, even in the refrigerator. The main reasons are improper storage, exposure to moisture, and keeping them in unsuitable containers, according to Southern Living.
Why you should store lemons in the fridge
Like all fresh fruits, lemons can go bad. Spoiled lemons usually become very soft. They may become slimy, appear wrinkled, have an unpleasant odor, or exhibit visible mold.
If your lemons show any of these signs, it’s best to throw them away.
According to US Citrus, lemons can be stored in the refrigerator for four to six weeks.
They can also be safely stored at room temperature, but like any fruit, they will spoil more quickly. On average, a lemon should be used within a week if stored at room temperature.
It is harder to extract all the juice from cold lemons, so it’s better to take them out of the fridge a few hours before use.
What to avoid
Do not store lemons in plastic bags, as they trap moisture, which can accelerate spoilage.
Also, avoid storing lemons near melons, bananas, apples, tomatoes, or avocados. These fruits release a lot of ethylene, which can cause nearby lemons to spoil more quickly.
How to store lemons
Whole lemons
Whole lemons are best kept in the vegetable and fruit drawer of the fridge, where humidity is low and they can stay cool and dry. It’s also a good idea to open the ventilation holes in the drawer to increase airflow around the fruit.
Cut lemons
After cutting, wrap the lemon in plastic wrap or place it in an airtight container. Store it in the fridge and use it within a few days, as cut lemons dry out quickly.
Lemon juice
According to the USDA, freshly squeezed lemon juice can be stored in the refrigerator in an airtight container, such as a jar, for up to 5–7 days.
For longer storage, freeze the juice. A great way to do this is in an ice cube tray, which divides the juice into individual portions.
Lemon zest
Lemon zest can be stored for up to three months in a freezer bag or an airtight container in the freezer. You can also use grated zest directly from frozen in salad dressings, cake batter, or sauces.
This material is for informational purposes only and should not be used for medical diagnosis or self-treatment. Our goal is to provide readers with accurate information about symptoms, causes, and methods of detecting diseases. RBС-Ukraine is not responsible for any diagnoses that readers may make based on materials from the resource. We do not recommend self-treatment and advise consulting a doctor in case of any health concerns.
