Or is the counter the right spot for citrus to keep it fresh?
Do lemons go bad when stored on the counter?
For long-term storage, the fridge is your best bet.
Credit:Caitlin Bensel
But don’t just toss them in the fridge willy-nilly.
Caitlin Bensel
Do Lemons Go Bad?
Like all fresh fruit, lemons do go bad.
Lemons that have gone bad typically become very soft.
If your lemons display any of these signs, its best to just toss them out.
Why You Should Refrigerate Lemons
There are ways to help lemons last and keep them fresh.
Simply put: Lemons last longer in the fridge.
Pro Tip
It’s harder to extract all the juice out of cold lemons.
Here’s how to store whole lemons, slices, zest, and juice.
Store it in the freezer.
In a freezer bag or airtight container, the zest can last up to three months in the freezer.
you could also usegrated zeststraight from frozen in salad dressings, cake batters, sauces, and more.
Should You Freeze Lemons?
Plus, this way some of the prep work is done for you.
To freeze whole lemons, wash them under cold running water.
Dry them and place them in a resealable plastic freezer bag.
Press out all the air and freeze for up to four months.
To freeze slices, wash the lemon, dry it, and slice into rounds.
Place the slices in one layer on a baking sheet and freeze until frozen.
Transfer to a resealable plastic freezer bag and store for up to four months.
Theres no harm in doing it but any bacteria on the lemons will contaminate the water.
The technique also tends to take up more valuable fridge space.
Lemons can turn hard when they lose significant moisture.
Leaving them at room temperature for extended periods can cause them to dry out as their juices evaporate.
U.S. Citrus.How long do lemons last?
A guide for long-lasting lemons and juice.
U.S. Department of Agriculture Food Safety and Inspection Service.Shelf-Stable Food Safety.
