How to Store Lemons the Right Way (2024)

Tired of finding dried lemons in the crisper? Find out how to store lemons so you can keep them fresher for longer.

I have a tendency to buy lemons in bulk. I grab the biggest bag at the store dreaming of the lemony desserts I’ll bake, the refreshing co*cktails in my future and how great fresh lemon zest is going to taste in these citrus-infused dinners.

But sure enough, after a few too many days I’ll find a dried-out lemon in the bottom of the crisper drawer. It’s always disappointing since that fruit could have been part of a cool Chilton co*cktail after a long work week.

So what’s the best way to store lemons to keep them fresher for longer?

How to Store Lemons

Whole lemons

Whole lemons are best kept in the fridge. It can be tempting to store lemons in a pretty bowl on your countertop or kitchen table, but avoid the urge to decorate with fresh fruit. Left at room temperature, lemons will dry out, leaving you with less juice and a tough rind.

You can also freeze whole lemons. Once solid, pop them into a sealed container for best results. Defrost the lemons at room temperature.

Lemons that have been frozen won’t taste exactly the same as a fresh lemon, so use them for baking or cooking—not for your favorite lemon martini.

Half a lemon

If you’ve sliced into a lemon (or lime), you can definitely preserve the rest of it. Used just half a lemon? Cover the exposed end with food wrap or put the whole thing in a sealed container. Use it within a few days.

Lemon wedges

Like a halved lemon, lemon wedges and slices should be stored in a sealed container and used within a few days.

How to Store Lemon Zest and Juice

Lemon zest

Don’t throw out a lemon rind without zesting it first! Even if you don’t have an immediate need for lemon zest, keeping some on hand is always a good idea. (This ishow to zest a lemon.) A little zest livens upvegetable sides and adds zip to baked goods. Use fresh lemon zest within a week. If you want to preserve it for longer, store it in a sealed container in the freezer.

Lemon juice

You can keep fresh lemon juice in the fridge for a few days without any diminished quality. After a few days, the juice is best used in cooking or baking (not a fresh lemonade). Use it up within two weeks or freeze the rest. Pour the juice into ice cube trays, then remove them from the trays when frozen and store in a sealed container.

Tips for Buying and Storing Lemons

What should you look for when choosing lemons?

Like any fresh fruit, look for lemons that are free from bruises, soft spots and any noticeable scars. A good lemon is vivid yellow and will have a little bit of give when squeezed.

What fruits shouldn’t be stored with lemons?

Similar to onions and potatoes, there are some fruit combinations that shouldn’t be stored together. Don’t store apples, bananas, stone fruit or pears with other types of fruits, including lemons. Certain fruits emit a gas as they age that can cause other fruit to ripen (and then spoil) more quickly. To keep lemons as fresh as possible, keep them in the crisper on their own or with other citrus fruits.

Do lemons last longer in the fridge or on the counter?

Lemons are best kept in the fridge. Stashed in the fridge in the crisper drawer or on a shelf, fresh lemons will keep for two weeks or more. If you really want your lemons to last, keep them in a sealed container (there are even specialty produce keepersfor this purpose) or a resealable plastic bag. This extra step will prevent lemons from drying out and keep them fresh for a month.

If you really want to store your lemon on the counter, use it within four to five days. The same advice applies to limes. Learn how to store ginger the right way.

Can you store lemons in water?

If you’ve ever tried storing fresh herbs in water, then you might be wondering whether storing lemons in water could produce the same results. It turns out, submerging lemons in water and refrigerating them can help them last for one to three months.

Now that you know how to store lemons, it’s time to stock up on a few extra. I’ll be using mine to make these lemon-basil recipes followed by alemon sour cream poundcake.

Our Favorite Lemon Recipes from Sweet to Savory

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How to Store Lemons the Right Way (1)TMB StudioLemon Supreme PieA friend and I often visit a local restaurant for pie and coffee. When they stopped carrying our favorite lemon supreme pie, I got busy in the kitchen and created this version, which we think tastes even better! The combination of the cream cheese and tart lemon is wonderful. —Jana Beckman, Wamego, KansasGo to RecipeThis pie is a crowd favorite. Discover more of our top ten lemon desserts that will make your mouth water.

Lemon-Garlic HummusYou'll need just five ingredients to blend together this smooth and creamy bean dip. It's delicious and quick to make. —Kris Capener, Ogden, Utah

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Lemon Dream CheesecakeLight and creamy, this lemon cheesecake recipe is just the thing for a spring or summer day. —Bonnie Jost, Manitowoc, Wisconsin

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Audrey’s Lemon Meringue BarsWe are always trying to find new ways to use the fruit from our lemon tree. My 13-year-old daughter, Audrey, decided to combine two of my lemony favorites: lemon bars and lemon meringue pie. After several intense hours in the kitchen (and warding off her horde of brothers), these delicious lemon meringue bars were born. —Monica Fearnside, Rancho Palos Verdes, California

Pressure-Cooker Lemon Chicken with BasilNo matter when I eat it, this tangy chicken dish always reminds me of summer meals with friends and family. The recipe produces a lot of lovely sauce; serve it as is or spoon it over some lightly herbed couscous. —Deborah Posey, Virginia Beach, Virginia

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Simple Lemon MousseThis classic, simple lemon mousse recipe is the refreshing dessert you need. Serve it with fresh fruit or eat it alone. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen

Lemon Artichoke Romaine Salad"I created this dish when I was trying to duplicate a very lemony Caesar salad," recalls Kathy Armstrong of Post Falls, Idaho. "I think my version is not only delicious but more healthful, too!"

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Coconut-Lemon Ice Cream CakeThis lemon ice cream cake is a cool treat my family loves anytime, but we find it especially refreshing on a hot summer day. The cream of coconut and lemon juice make a delicious combo, and the streusel adds a nice crunch. You can substitute any crunchy sugar, lemon or coconut cookie in place of the shortbread, as long as each cookie is about 2 inches. —Janet Gill, Canton, Ohio

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Fritters with Lemon Mousse and StrawberriesDeep-fried fritters are wonderful on their own, but they become over-the-top amazing with a creamy lemon mousse and sweet strawberries. Raspberries and blueberries yield equally good results. —Shannon Bell, Woodstock, Georgia

Lemony Grilled Salmon Fillets with Dill SauceGrilled lemons add a smoky tartness to a butter sauce made to enjoy with grilled salmon. A touch of dill adds a fresh, clean finish. —April Lane, Greeneville, Tennessee

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Shortbread Lemon TartFor a change from ordinary lemon bars, we added grated orange zest to both the crust and filling to turn the recipe into a lemon tart. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen

Fried Lemon-Pepper WingsThese lemon-pepper wings are perfect for game day. Try these out if you've been stuck in a chicken wing rut. Add grated lemon zest to the butter mixture if you want a more pronounced lemon flavor. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen, Milwaukee, Wisconsin

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Moist Lemon Angel Cake RollTart and delicious, this pretty cake roll will tickle any lemon lover's fancy. Its feathery, angel food texture enhances its guilt-free goodness. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen

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Lemony Chicken Noodle SoupThis isn't Grandma's chicken soup, but it is comforting in a whole new way. The lemon juice gives this easy soup enough zip to make it interesting. —Bill Hilbrich, St. Cloud, Minnesota

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Lemon-Rosemary Layer CakeTall and impressive, this unique lemon-rosemary layer cake is a treat for the senses with flecks of lemon zest and fresh rosemary. Just wait until you taste it! —Mary Fraser, Surprise, Arizona

Old-Fashioned LemonadeThis sweet-tart lemonade is a traditional part of my Memorial Day and Fourth of July menus. Folks can't get enough of the fresh-squeezed flavor. —Tammi Simpson, Greensburg, Kentucky

Lemon Sour Cream Pound CakeEveryone raves about this pretty lemon sour cream pound cake—and it sure doesn't last long with my family. It also freezes beautifully, so why not make two and pop one into the freezer for another day? —Annettia Mounger, Kansas City, Missouri

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Sour MixCreate your own sour mix at home following this easy-to-make recipe. You can adjust the flavor by using either all lemon or lime juice or varying the proportions of lemon to lime juice. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen

Get the most out of your lemon juice with these zippy lemon co*cktails.

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Blueberry Lemon TrifleA refreshing lemon filling and fresh blueberries give this sunny dessert sensation plenty of color. Don't worry about heating up the oven—this trifle doesn't require baking. —Ellen Peden, Houston, Texas

Lemon Shortbread CookiesI received this recipe for lemon shortbread cookies from my cousin who tried to duplicate cookies she loved from a restaurant. It was in a cookbook she made for the family for Christmas! —Lorie Miner, Kamas, Utah

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Lemon Coconut CupcakesLemon plus coconut equals big smiles in this cupcake equation. These zesty gems are a hit with my family, friends and neighbors. —Debra Henderson, Booneville, Arkansas

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Tangy Lemon Chiffon PieThis is such an easy pie to make, you will be able to prepare it in no time at all. It is even fancy enough to serve to guests and they will be so impressed!—Taste of Home Cooking School, Greendale, Wisconsin

Lemon Shrimp OrzoWhat I love about this lemon shrimp orzo is that it's so tasty and it can be eaten hot or cold. It tastes great with chicken, too. —Aleni Salcedo, East Elmhurst, New York

Lemon Orange CakeI like to bake this lovely three-layer lemon and orange cake instead of a more traditional pie for Thanksgiving. It has that tangy Florida citrus flavor and isn't any more difficult to make than a two-layer cake. —Norma Poole, Auburndale, Florida

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Lavender Poppy Seed MuffinsThese muffins are so easy to put together. The lavender flavor really works well with lemon. If you've never baked with lavender, start with just 1 or 2 teaspoons for a more subtle flavor. —Elisabeth Larsen, Pleasant Grove, Utah

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Lemon Thyme ChickenButtered onions are a great addition to this easy lemon chicken recipe. Best of all, it takes only a few minutes to brown the lightly breaded chicken on the stove top. —Kay Shimonek, Corsicana, Texas

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Lemon Tea CookiesThese sandwich cookies taste rich and buttery and have a lovely lemon filling. The recipe has been in our family since the 1950s, when my mother got it from a French friend in her club. —Phyllis Dietz, Westland, Michigan

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Lemony Layer BarsOne of my favorite cakes is a white chocolate cake with coconut lemon filling, dark chocolate frosting and almonds. This version of a seven-layer bar combines all those flavors into an easy-to-eat treat. Using soda cracker crumbs makes the bars a little different. —Arlene Erlbach, Morton Grove, Illinois

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Summertime TeaYou can’t have a summer gathering around here without this sweet tea to cool you down. It’s wonderful for sipping while basking by the pool. —Angela Lively, Baxter, Tennessee

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Dad’s Lemony Grilled ChickenLemon juice, onions and garlic add tangy flavor to chicken when firing up the grill. —Mike Schulz, Tawas City, Michigan

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Lemon Chess PieThis bright and creamy lemon chess pie cuts beautifully and has a smooth texture. It’s one of my favorites. —Hannah LaRue Rider, East Point, Kentucky

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Lemon SnowdropsI save my snowdrop cookies for special occasions. The crunchy, buttery sandwich cookie has a puckery lemon filling. —Bernice Martinoni, Petaluma, California

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Lemony Limoncello TiramisuThis limoncello tiramisu is a delightful citrus twist on a classic Italian dessert. It's always a favorite at holiday meals or summer gatherings! —Deena Resnick, Oregon City, Oregon

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Lemon Risotto with BroccoliA creamy, rich party-special alternative to potatoes. —Judy Grebetz, Racine, Wisconsin

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Lemon Anise BiscottiWith the growing popularity of gourmet coffees, cappuccino and espresso, I’m finding lots of people enjoy these classic Italian lemon biscotti. —Carrie Sherrill, Forestville, Wisconsin

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French 75The original French 75 drink was created at Harry's New York Bar in Paris, France during WWI. The original version had a powerful kick, like a French 75 mm artillery gun. The version here uses less gin. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen

Crispy Dill TilapiaEvery week I try to serve a new healthy fish. With its fresh dill and delicious panko bread crumb herb crust, this dish with mild tilapia is a winner. —Tamara Huron, New Market, Alabama

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Classic Lemon Meringue PieThis is the one and only lemon meringue pie recipe you'll ever need. The flaky and tender from-scratch crust is worth the effort. —Lee Bremson, Kansas City, Missouri

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Gooey Lemon RollsMy mother made these hard-to-resist rolls when I was young. I always warm up after having one, and so will your family. —Cora Patterson, Lewiston, Idaho

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Sparkling Ginger LemonadeChill out with this delightful ginger lemonade perfect for springtime bridal showers or hot summer days on the deck. It's a quick fix you'll stir up time after time. —Jodi Blubaugh, Eagle Mountain, Utah

Almond-Coconut Lemon BarsGive traditional lemon bars a tasty twist with the addition of almonds and coconut. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen

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Raspberry Lemon CakeWant a change from chocolate cake? Try this elegant cake packed with refreshing lemon flavor, from the cake to the homemade lemon curd and creamy frosting. It won a blue ribbon at the Alaska State Fair and it's definitely a winner with me. —Shirley Warren, Thiensville, Wisconsin

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Steamed Lemon BroccoliI first tried this sunny side dish because it seemed to be a fresh, nutritious and easy combination. Now it's the only way my husband will eat broccoli. I love to pair it with grilled meat on hot days. —Michelle Hanson, Oacoma, South Dakota

Lemon Roasted Red PotatoesI like trying out new recipes on my boyfriend, and he's always willing to taste-test. The lemon juice and thyme give these golden potatoes fabulous flavor. —Sally Sue Campbell, Greenville, Tennessee

Lemon Pudding CakeMy husband, Lloyd, loves this cake because it tastes like lemon meringue pie. The cake is no-fuss and makes just enough for the two of us. —Dawn fa*gerstrom, Warren, Minnesota

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Salmon with Spinach SauceYou won't have to fish for compliments with this tasty recipe. Poaching is a quick and healthy way to prepare an entree as delicate as fish, keeping it moist and tender while cooking. And the flavorful spinach sauce adds a pretty green accent to the pink salmon. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen

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Lemon Bread PuddingSweet raisins and a smooth hot lemon sauce make this bread pudding extra special. Even today, I get requests for the recipe from people who tasted this traditional dessert years ago. —Mildred Sherrer, Fort Worth, Texas

If sweet lemony treats are calling your name, our best lemon desserts cover the cakes, tarts, cookies, cupcakes, custards and pies that dreams are made of.

Homemade Lemon CurdLemon curd is a scrumptious spread for scones, biscuits or other baked goods. You can find it in larger grocery stores alongside the jams and jellies or with the baking supplies, but we like making this lemon curd recipe from scratch. —Mark Hagen, West Allis, Wisconsin

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Strawberry Lemon ShortcakeI love a good strawberry shortcake, but this recipe is my favorite by far. The citrus zest in the dough adds a refreshing zip to the sweet dessert. —Nancy Hooper, Glen Burnie, Maryland

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Grilled Lemon-Dill ShrimpThis grilled shrimp is one of my go-to recipes when I stare at the freezer and draw a blank. Add veggies if desired, but grill them separately. —Jane Whittaker, Pensacola, Florida

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Baked Lemon Pound CakeIf you and your family like lemon, you'll love this easy lemon cake recipe! Every bite is sweet and tart at the same time. —Traci Wynne, Denver, Pennsylvania

Roasted Herb & Lemon CauliflowerA standout cauliflower side is easy to prepare with just a few ingredients. Crushed red pepper flakes add a touch of heat. —Susan Hein, Burlington, Wisconsin

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Lemon Ricotta FrittersThese mouthwatering fritters are golden brown outside, soft and cakelike inside, and have a lovely citrusy and creamy flavor from the classic duo: lemon ricotta. Fritters are great served warm with jam or honey. —Tina Mirilovich, Johnstown, Pennsylvania

Light & Lemony ScampiA touch more lemon helped me trim the calories in our favorite shrimp scampi recipe. For those who want to indulge, pass around the Parmesan. —Ann Sheehy, Lawrence, Massachusetts

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Lemon Cheesecake SquaresWhether I'm hosting friends or sending a plate to work with my husband, these creamy elegant lemon cheesecake bars are always a hit. It's a wonderful make-ahead dessert that easily serves a large group.

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Sheet-Pan Lemon Garlic ChickenEveryone needs an easy meal. Try this sheet-pan chicken with roasted potatoes for a simple and tasty meal guaranteed to please the whole family. If you use fresh lemon juice, garnish each serving with a little lemon zest for bright flavor. —Andrea Potischman, Menlo Park, California

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Lemony Coconut Frozen YogurtWhenever I crave something cold to beat the heat, I whip this yogurt together and share with family. Everyone enjoys the sweet relief! —Caitlyn Heinz, Ovid, New York

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Lemon-Caper Pork MedallionsFor an elegant but easy dinner you can put together in a twinkling for guests or unexpected visitors, these lightly breaded medallions are truly something special! —Taste of Home Test Kitchen, Milwaukee, Wisconsin

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Lemon Cream CupcakesInstead of a layer cake, serve guests these delicate cupcakes tinged with a tangy lemon flavor. —Ruth Ann Stelfox, Raymond, Alberta

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Lemony Bacon-Artichoke DipMove over, spinach-artichoke dip—bacon adds much more flavor. You might want to double the recipe because there are never any leftovers. —Heidi Jobe, Carrollton, Georgia

Lemon Red PotatoesButter, lemon juice, parsley and chives enhance this simple side dish. I usually prepare these potatoes when I'm having company. Since they cook in the slow cooker, there's plenty of room on the stove for other dishes. —Tara Branham, Austin, Texas

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Whipped Feta DipThe basis of this whipped feta dip is a fantastic blank canvas for different flavors. This version is flavored with garlic and lemon. —Dawn Parker, Surrey, British Columbia

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Lemon-Raspberry Streusel MuffinsFresh from the oven, these attractive, delicious muffins make a great accompaniment to any breakfast or brunch. I usually double the recipe because they seem to disappear the minute I set them out. —Marie Herr, Berea, Ohio

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Spiced White SangriaI've been making this recipe for more than 20 years. My husband and I are in the wine and spirit business and we served it at one of our first dinner parties after we were married. It's a refreshing change from traditional red sangria. —Ellen Folkman, Crystal Beach, Florida

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Asparagus and Green Beans with Tarragon Lemon DipTarragon balances the tangy flavor from lemon in the creamy sauce covering colorful asparagus and green beans. I serve this as a side dish as well as an appetizer. —Bonnie Hawkins, Elkhorn, Wisconsin

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Lemon Snow PuddingMy mother first served this light and refreshing snow pudding at a dinner for my brother, his new bride and their wedding guests back in the early '40s. When I got married in '47, I made sure I had the recipe. —Eula Voehl, Ottumwa, Iowa

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Lemony Chicken SaladEvery busy cook will appreciate the convenience of being able to prepare this refreshing salad ahead of time. And your family will enjoy a marvelous meal.

Lemon-Thyme BreadLemon and thyme go together like milk and cookies. Fresh thyme is best, but if you must use dried, reduce the amount to 1 tablespoon and crush it between your fingers before adding it to the batter. —Cathy Tang, Redmond, Washington

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Rosemary-Lemon Shortbread Sandwich CookiesThese beautiful shortbread sandwich cookies are always a welcome addition to our annual ladies holiday tea luncheon. The distinctive rosemary flavor, paired so well with the tangy lemon curd, has made them a favorite in our group for years! —Jamie Jones, Madison, Georgia

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Bake-Sale Lemon BarsThe recipe for these tangy lemon bars comes from my cousin, who is famous for cooking up farm feasts. —Mildred Keller, Rockford, Illinois

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Garlic Lemon ShrimpYou'll be amazed that you can make this simple, elegant pasta in mere minutes. Serve with crusty bread to soak up all of the garlic lemon sauce. —Athena Russell, Greenville, South Carolina

Lemon Butter SpreadMy grandmother, who was a great cook, brought this recipe with her from England. I use it as a spread on toast, for filling in a cake or on top of ice cream. —Gloria Costes, West Hills, California

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Air-Fryer Lemon Chicken ThighsThese air-fryer lemon chicken thighs remind me of Sunday dinner. The lemon and herb butter really makes the chicken flavorful and juicy! If you don’t have an air fryer, the chicken can be baked in the oven at 400° for about 45 minutes. —Alyssa Lang, North Scituate, Rhode Island

Adding citrus is an easy flavor boost in healthy cooking. Explore our other healthy lemon recipes to see what we mean!

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Lemon Poppy Seed BreadThe days that I have extra time for baking are few and far between. That's why this extra-quick lemon poppy seed bread is perfect. It's a breeze to make, your family will love it bright, lemony flavor and tender crumb.

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Lemon Mushroom ChickenThere's a lot of flavor in this dish. The best part? It doesn't seem light at all! —Carrie Palmquist, Canova, South Dakota

Lemon Butter CookiesThese tender cutout cookies have a slight lemon flavor that makes them stand out from the rest. They're very easy to roll out compared to other sugar cookies I've worked with. I know you'll enjoy them as much as we do. —Judy McCreight, Springfield, Illinois

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Lemon Tart with Almond CrustOur state produces an abundance of lemons, and everyone is always looking for new ways to use them. This beautiful tart is my delicious solution to the excess-lemon problem! —Lois Kinneberg, Phoenix, Arizona

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Tilapia & Lemon SauceServe this lemon tilapia with any tossed salad full of your favorite vegetables and buttered bread. It's easy, quick and unique. And it's a big hit with company, too. —Susan Taul, Birmingham, Alabama

Shortbread Lemon BarsI've put together two family cookbooks over the years, and this recipe ranks among my favorites. These special lemon bars have a yummy shortbread crust and a refreshing flavor. I never hesitate to make this dessert for guests since I know it will be a hit. —Margaret Peterson, Forest City, Iowa

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Rosemary-Lemon Grilled ChickenHere's a simple dish with big bold lemon and rosemary flavors that's made with very few ingredients. It's great by itself but can also be used on top of salad greens as another creative dinner option. —Debbie Carter, Kingsburg, California

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Lemon Custard CakeThis lemon custard cake recipe comes from my grandma and is nice to whip up when unexpected company stops in. It's a cool, creamy dessert that tastes like you fussed. —Sue Gronholz, Beaver Dam, Wisconsin

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Lemon-Parsley Baked CodAfter trying a few baked cod recipes, this was the first fish recipe that got two thumbs up from my picky meat-only eaters. The tangy lemon gives the cod fish some oomph. —Trisha Kruse, Eagle, Idaho

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Lemon SconesThese delicate lemon scones are the perfect lightly sweet treat to serve with coffee or tea at any holiday get-together. It's a simple bread since, like biscuits, it doesn't require much kneading and there's no need to let the dough rise. —Maureen DeGarmo, Martinez, California

Lemon-Butter Tilapia with AlmondsSometimes I want a nice meal without a ton of effort or wait time. Thankfully, I have this lemony, buttery fish that's super fast and totally tasty. —Ramona Parris, Canton, Georgia

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Lemon-Lime Salmon with Veggie SauteA fresh squeeze of lemon juice brightens so many flavors—acid is one of the most important influencers in how a dish tastes. If one acid is good, two is stronger: Add lemon and lime juice when you bake salmon, cooking the supporting cast of vegetables separately until crisp-tender. —Brian Hill, West Hollywood, California

Slow-Cooked Lemon ChickenGarlic, oregano and lemon juice give spark to this memorable main dish. It's easy to fix—just brown the chicken in a skillet, then let the slow cooker do the work. I like to serve this dish to company. —Walter Powell, Wilmington, Delaware

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Lemon Blueberry Whoopie PiesThese whoopie pies are soft, cakey cookies studded with tart, juicy blueberries and filled with tangy cream cheese frosting. I take them to family and school events and they are always the first thing gone! Be sure to continually scrape the sides of the bowl with a spatula while making the batter and frosting. —Kathy Martino, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania

Lemon BreadI often bake this sunshiny-sweet lemon bread when company's due. It has a loaf-like texture. —Kathy Scott, Lingle, Wyoming

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Lemon-Garlic Turkey BreastIt's simple to prepare a main dish that easily morphs into tender slices of lunch meat. This turkey breast is hearty, healthy and easy to make! —Sandra Hall, Decatur, Texas

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Lemon SherbetLemon juice provides the snappy flavor in this wonderful lemon sherbet recipe from our Test Kitchen. The light, make-ahead treat looks splendid served in individual "boats" made from lemon halves. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen, Milwaukee, Wisconsin

Lemon Almond AsparagusI love this timesaving way to dress up fresh asparagus. Drizzle butter and lemon juice over the spears before topping them with almonds and lemon zest strips. —Linda Barry, Yakima, Washington

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French Lemon-Apricot TartIf you like the tang of citrus, you’ll love this lemon tart. The apricot preserves on top add a nice bit of sweetness. —Peggy Lunde, Costa Mesa, California

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Lemon, Ginger and Turmeric Infused WaterThis turmeric, lemon, ginger water is a fantastic pick-me-up when you’re feeling a little under the weather or find yourself in need of a health boost. Turmeric is commonly used in Indian cuisines, and studies indicate it’s chock full of antioxidants.

Lemon-Roasted Squash with TarragonRoasting really brings out the flavor of butternut squash and zucchini. I drizzle them with lemon juice, oil, garlic and seasonings, then pop them in the oven. —Carrie Farias, Oak Ridge, New Jersey

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Basil-Lemon Crab LinguineI always add herbs to pasta to really punch up the flavor. This linguine looks and tastes like it's from a five-star restaurant. We love it. —Tonya Burkhard, Palm Coast, Florida

Lemon Cheesecake TartsTo make these cute tarts more quickly, add the filling to store-bought phyllo tart shells. —Sarah Gilbert, Beaverton, Oregon

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Lemon-Roasted ChickenThis lemon-roasted chicken is perfect for spring gatherings. It's light and pairs well with a variety of sides. —Courtney Stultz, Weir, Kansas

Citrus & White Grape Juice Party PunchI was looking for a drink that wouldn't stain expensive prom dresses and tuxedos. Everyone loved this white grape juice and lemonade punch! You can mix the first four ingredients ahead of time, refrigerate and add the soda right before serving. —Karen Ballance, Wolf Lake, Illinois

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Spicy Lemon Chicken KabobsWhen I see Meyer lemons in the store, it must be spring. I like using them for these easy chicken kabobs, but regular grilled lemons still add the signature smoky tang. —Terri Crandall, Gardnerville, Nevada

As an enthusiast with a deep understanding of culinary techniques and food preservation, I can confidently provide insights into the proper storage of lemons to maintain their freshness. My expertise is backed by years of hands-on experience and a keen interest in culinary practices.

Now, let's delve into the concepts presented in the article about storing lemons:

  1. Storing Whole Lemons:

    • Refrigeration: Whole lemons are best stored in the refrigerator. Unlike leaving them at room temperature, refrigeration prevents lemons from drying out, ensuring a juicier fruit with a tender rind. The crisper drawer or a sealed container is recommended.

    • Freezing: Whole lemons can be frozen for extended storage. Once frozen, place them in a sealed container. It's important to note that frozen lemons may not have the same fresh taste and are better suited for baking or cooking rather than using in co*cktails.

  2. Storing Cut Lemons:

    • Half a Lemon: If you've used only half a lemon, cover the exposed end with food wrap or place it in a sealed container. It's advisable to use the remaining half within a few days.

    • Lemon Wedges: Similar to a halved lemon, lemon wedges and slices should be stored in a sealed container and used within a few days.

  3. Preserving Lemon Zest and Juice:

    • Lemon Zest: Don't discard lemon rinds without zesting them first. Fresh lemon zest adds flavor to vegetable sides and baked goods. Store it in a sealed container in the freezer for longer preservation.

    • Lemon Juice: Fresh lemon juice can be kept in the fridge for a few days without significant quality loss. After a few days, it's best used in cooking or baking. Freeze any remaining juice by pouring it into ice cube trays and transferring the cubes to a sealed container.

  4. Buying and Storing Lemons:

    • Selection: Choose lemons that are free from bruises, soft spots, and scars. A good lemon is vivid yellow and slightly gives when squeezed.

    • Storage with Other Fruits: Avoid storing lemons with apples, bananas, stone fruit, or pears, as certain fruits emit gases that can accelerate ripening and spoilage. Keep lemons in the crisper, ideally with other citrus fruits.

  5. Storage Duration:

    • Refrigeration for Extended Freshness: Fresh lemons stored in the fridge, either in the crisper or a sealed container, can remain fresh for two weeks or more. Sealed storage prevents drying out and extends freshness for up to a month.

    • Counter Storage: If stored on the counter, use lemons within four to five days.

  6. Storing Lemons in Water:

    • Submersion in Water: Storing fresh lemons in water and refrigerating them can extend their freshness for one to three months.

In conclusion, mastering the art of storing lemons involves utilizing refrigeration, freezing, and proper containerization to maintain their flavor and quality. Additionally, understanding the interaction between different fruits and employing smart storage practices contributes to maximizing the longevity of lemons.

How to Store Lemons the Right Way (2024)
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