The Best Way to Store Lemons and Other Citrus Fruits

When it comes to buying fruits and vegetables in bulk, it’s essential to know how to store them properly to keep them fresh and long-lasting. Citrus fruits, in particular, can be tricky to keep from drying out and becoming hard. In this article, we’ll explore the best way to store lemons and other citrus fruits to keep them juicy and fresh for longer.

The Experiment

Members of America’s Test Kitchen conducted an experiment to determine the best storage method for lemons. The experiment involved three different storage methods in two temperature settings: room temperature and refrigerator temperature. The storage methods used were an open container, a sealed zip lock bag, and a sealed zip lock bag with a quarter cup of water.

The Results

The results were clear – the best way to store lemons is in a sealed zip lock bag in the refrigerator. Lemons stored in this manner didn’t start dehydrating until after four weeks, keeping them moist, juicy, and fresh for a more extended period. On the other hand, lemons stored in an open container at room temperature became dry and hard within a week, while lemons stored in a sealed zip lock bag with water developed mold within two weeks.

The Logic

So, why does storing lemons in a sealed bag in the refrigerator work so well? Well, one of the primary factors that cause citrus fruits to dry out is exposure to air. When you store citrus fruits in an open container, they’re continuously exposed to air, causing them to lose moisture and become dry. Sealing the lemons in a zip lock bag prevents air from getting in, keeping them moist and fresh.

Additionally, storing lemons in the refrigerator helps slow down their natural ripening process, extending their shelf life. At room temperature, lemons can ripen and spoil quickly, but in the cold environment of the refrigerator, they’ll stay fresh and maintain their quality for a more extended period.

Other Tips

While storing lemons in a sealed zip lock bag in the refrigerator is the best way to keep them fresh, there are a few other tips you should keep in mind. For example:

– Use the freshest lemons you can find. Fresh lemons will last longer than older, more wrinkled ones.
– Don’t wash your lemons until you’re ready to use them. Excess moisture can cause the lemons to spoil faster.
– If you’re using only a half of lemon, store the other half in a sealed zip lock bag in the refrigerator.
– If you have a large number of lemons to store, you may want to consider freezing them. Cut the lemons in half and squeeze the juice into ice cube trays, then freeze. You can use the lemon juice cubes in cooking or to add flavor to drinks.
– The same storage method applies to other citrus fruits such as limes, oranges, and grapefruits.

Conclusion

Storing fruits and vegetables correctly is essential to maintain their freshness and quality. For lemons and other citrus fruits, storing them in a sealed zip lock bag in the refrigerator is the best approach to keep them moist, juicy, and fresh for a longer period. By following these simple steps, you can extend the shelf life of your lemons and minimize your food waste.