Keep lemons fresh: Easy tips to prevent spoilage and waste

Lemons are not only a delicious addition to many dishes, but they are also a rich source of vitamin C and other nutrients. However, storing them can be challenging. Have you ever had lemons mold before you could use them? Many people make mistakes when storing citrus fruits, leading to quick spoilage.

Proper storage of lemons not only prolongs their freshness but also prevents waste. The key is to understand the conditions that suit these fruits and how to protect them from factors that speed up spoilage. So, how do you store lemons to keep them fresh for longer?

Not everyone knows that lemons are particularly sensitive to ethylene—a gas produced by some fruits and vegetables during ripening. Apples, bananas, and tomatoes are examples of fruits that release significant amounts of ethylene. When these fruits and vegetables are in close proximity to lemons, they can accelerate ripening and ultimately lead to mold.

When we think about storing lemons, we often assume that the refrigerator is the best place for these fruits. And that's true—the low temperature helps maintain the freshness of lemons. However, refrigeration can also lead to certain problems, such as excessive moisture buildup, which can accelerate mold growth.

How to store lemons in the refrigerator? Lemons are best stored in the lower part of the refrigerator where the temperature is stable. It's a good idea to place them in sealed containers or paper bags, which will help reduce moisture and protect against unwanted odors from other products.

Besides the classic refrigeration method, it's worth considering other ways to extend the usability of the fruit. One of these methods is freezing. Lemons can be frozen in pieces or as juice, which is a great solution if you have an excess of fruit at home.

If you don't want to freeze whole lemons, you can prepare juice that can be kept in the refrigerator for up to a month.

In addition to molding, poorly stored lemons can dry out. How can you prevent this? It's best to place lemons in a container with water. Remember to change the water every few days. This way, the fruits won’t dry out and will retain their firmness.

Before you start storing lemons, it's worth considering their proper preparation. The first step is washing the fruits and drying them thoroughly. You can also wrap them in a paper towel, which will help absorb excess moisture and reduce the risk of mold development.

When storing lemons in a container, make sure that the container is well sealed. It's best to arrange the lemons individually so that they don’t press against each other, which can cause damage. Additionally, regularly check the state of the lemons, removing any that begin to spoil to prevent mold from spreading to other fruits. Also, avoid storing lemons with fruits that emit ethylene.