Prolonging lemon life: Storage secrets for peak freshness

At this time of year, we often purchase 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 ensure they do not go to waste.

We often don't pay much attention to storing citrus fruits. They are considered relatively resilient and are protected by a thick peel. This is true; however, only under the right conditions can they stay fresh for about two weeks. If we neglect this, they spoil much faster. Many of us put lemons in the fridge, hoping to slow down the ripening and moulding process, but that's a short-term solution.

Lemons will remain fresher in the fridge for longer. However, low temperatures encourage moisture accumulation, which causes faster spoilage and mould growth in the case of citrus. There's a straightforward way to prevent this. The fruits need to be placed in tightly sealed containers or paper bags. This protection helps reduce moisture and prevents odours from other products from permeating. It's worth considering if you have a larger quantity of lemons.

When you have fewer lemons and they are used regularly, there's no need to store them in the fridge. 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 fridge and securing them to prevent moisture loss is good. Again, containers or bags are practical. A cut lemon should be consumed within a few days.

When storing lemons outside the fridge, remember that not every company is beneficial 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.