Introduction:
Lemons are a staple in many kitchens due to their versatility and bright, zesty flavor. Whether you’re squeezing them over dishes, adding them to drinks, or using them for their health benefits, keeping lemons fresh is essential to make the most of this citrus fruit. However, lemons can spoil quickly if not stored properly, leading to waste and frustration. Fortunately, there are simple and effective ways to prolong their shelf life and keep them fresh for longer. In this guide, we’ll share four easy tricks to store your lemons, so they stay crisp, juicy, and ready for use whenever you need them.
Ingredients:
Fresh lemons (as many as you wish to store)
Plastic or glass container with lid (for refrigeration method)
Ziploc bags (for freezing method)
A large glass of water (for the water method)
Paper towels (for the wrapping method)
Instructions:
1. Refrigerate Whole Lemons in a Container:
Step 1: Take your fresh lemons and place them in a plastic or glass container with a tight-fitting lid.
Step 2: Seal the container and store it in the fridge. The cool environment will slow down the ripening process and help prevent spoilage.
Step 3: Check the lemons every few days for any signs of mold or softening, and remove any that are past their prime.
This method will keep your lemons fresh for up to 3-4 weeks.
2. Wrap Lemons in Paper Towels:
Step 1: Take each lemon and wrap it individually in a paper towel.
Step 2: Place the wrapped lemons in a plastic or mesh bag.
Step 3: Store the wrapped lemons in the refrigerator, where the paper towels will help absorb excess moisture and prevent mold growth.
This method extends the shelf life of lemons for about 2-3 weeks.
3. Submerge Lemons in Water:
Step 1: Fill a large bowl with water.
Step 2: Place your lemons in the water, fully submerged, and cover the bowl with a lid or plastic wrap.
Step 3: Store the bowl in the refrigerator. The water helps keep the lemons hydrated and maintains their freshness for a longer period.
This method works best for whole lemons and can last for 2-3 weeks in the fridge.
4. Freeze Lemons for Long-Term Storage:
Step 1: To freeze lemons, you can either slice them into wedges, juice them, or freeze them whole.
Step 2: Place the slices or wedges into a Ziploc bag, removing as much air as possible before sealing. Alternatively, if you’re freezing whole lemons, just place them in the Ziploc bag directly.
Step 3: For lemon juice, pour the juice into ice cube trays and freeze until solid, then transfer the cubes to a Ziploc bag.
This method keeps your lemons fresh for several months. Frozen lemon juice cubes can be used in drinks or recipes.
the rest on next page
ADVERTISEMENT
