Don't Put Lemons in the Fridge Right Away – Try This Method to Keep Them Fresh for a Year

To extend the shelf life of lemons, you can use the following simple preservation methods. The effectiveness of these techniques will surprise you.

Lemons are a common household ingredient used in dipping sauces, salads, cooking, and making beverages. Most people store lemons in the refrigerator, but over time, they tend to dry out or spoil. To keep lemons fresh longer and always available at home, try these simple methods.

Using Newspaper and Plastic Bags

You can reuse old newspapers to preserve fresh lemons.

1. Tear the newspaper into small pieces and wrap each lemon individually.
2. Before wrapping, make sure the lemons are completely dry.
3. Once all the lemons are wrapped, place them in a plastic bag and seal it tightly.
4. Store the bag in the refrigerator’s crisper drawer.

The newspaper protects lemons from bruising and moisture loss, keeping them fresh for an extended period.

Using Plastic Bags or Ziplock Bags

1. Wash the lemons thoroughly, let them dry completely, or pat them dry with a clean cloth.
2. Place the lemons in a ziplock bag or plastic bag.
3. Remove as much air as possible before sealing the bag.
4. Store in the refrigerator’s crisper drawer.

By minimizing air exposure, the lemon peel remains moist, preserving its essential oils and keeping the fruit fresh for 3 to 4 weeks.

Using Sand

If you don't have a refrigerator, you can use sand as an alternative. Sand retains moisture well, allowing lemons to stay fresh at room temperature for about 20 days.

Method 1 – Using a Styrofoam Box

1. Prepare a small Styrofoam box and poke a few holes around it for ventilation.
2. Spread a 5 cm layer of damp sand at the bottom.
3. Arrange the lemons in a single layer over the sand.
4. Lightly cover the lemons with another thin layer of sand, but do not bury them completely.

Method 2 – Using a Large Container

1. Select fresh, juicy lemons and wash them thoroughly.
2. Prepare a large jar or container and clean sand.
3. Slightly dampen the sand with a small amount of water.
4. Spread a layer of sand at the bottom, then place a layer of lemons on top.
5. Continue alternating layers of sand and lemons until all lemons are covered.
6. Ensure the top layer is fully covered with sand.
7. Store the container in a cool, dry place away from sunlight.

With this method, lemons can be preserved for about two months. When needed, simply take them out, wash them, and use them as usual. This traditional method was used for preserving lemons, grapefruits, oranges, and mandarins in the past.

Freezing Lemons

1. Choose lemons with thin skin, firm texture, and no bruises.
2. Wash the lemons thoroughly and soak them in salt water for a few minutes.
3. Rinse with clean water and let them air dry completely.

For Whole Lemons

• Large lemons: Cut in half, keeping the peel intact.
• Small lemons with tough skin: Peel off some of the outer layer before cutting.
• Meyer lemons or softer varieties: No need to remove the peel, just cut in half.

Extracting and Freezing Lemon Juice

1. Juice the lemons using a manual or electric juicer.
2. Wrap a small piece of paper towel around the lemon peel while squeezing to prevent bitter oils from mixing into the juice.
3. Replace the paper towel when it becomes damp to avoid absorbing too much juice.
4. Alternatively, remove the peel and seeds before juicing to ensure a pure, smooth lemon juice.

Storing Lemon Juice in the Freezer

1. Pour the freshly squeezed lemon juice into an ice cube tray.
2. Place the tray in the freezer until the juice is completely frozen.
3. Once frozen, remove the lemon cubes and store them in an airtight container.

Whenever you need lemon juice, simply take out a cube or two and let them thaw for a few minutes. This method allows you to have fresh lemon juice year-round without compromising its flavor and nutrients.