Keep your lemons fresh: Smart storage tips revealed

During this time of year, we often buy lemons in bulk, especially when they're available at good prices. They're particularly useful for tea or for warm water with lemon juice, ginger, and honey. However, no matter how many you buy, you should not let them go to waste.

We often don't pay much attention to storing citrus fruits. They are considered relatively durable and are protected by a thick peel. While that's true, they can only stay fresh for about two weeks under the right conditions. If forgotten, they spoil much faster. Many of us put lemons in the refrigerator, hoping to slow down the ripening and molding process, but that's a short-term solution.

Lemons will stay fresher longer in the refrigerator. However, low temperatures encourage moisture buildup, which, in the case of citrus, causes faster spoilage and mold growth. There's a simple way to prevent this. The fruits need to be placed in tightly sealed containers or paper bags. This protection helps reduce moisture and prevents odors from other products from permeating them. It's worth remembering if you have a larger quantity of lemons.

When you have fewer lemons, and they are used regularly, storing them in the refrigerator is unnecessary. It's best to store them in a dry, shaded place, such as a cool pantry or a closed cabinet in the kitchen. However, once cut, citrus fruits dry out quickly and lose juiciness. In that case, keeping them in the refrigerator and securing them to prevent moisture loss is good. Again, containers or bags will work. A cut lemon should be consumed within a few days.

When storing lemons outside the refrigerator, remember that not every company is good for them. Citrus fruits should not be placed in a basket or on a tray with fruits that emit ethylene, such as bananas, apples, avocados, or tomatoes. Ethylene is a natural gas that accelerates the ripening of fruits and will cause lemons to spoil more quickly.