We have all had to throw away lemons that did not appreciate staying too long in the refrigerator. Over time, these highly porous citrus fruits naturally lose their water until they become as hard as wood.
Fortunately, there are several infallible tips to enjoy lemon season without wasting a single drop. This allows you to cook in a more eco-friendly and economical way by keeping your citrus fresh and juicy for much longer.
Stop lemon dehydration by immersing them in water
The main grandmother’s trick to stop throwing away lemons is simple: just submerge them in a jar filled with water. Once filled, place the container in your refrigerator.
Thanks to this hack, your citrus fruits will not dry out. The water blocks the pores of the lemons, meaning the moisture inside cannot evaporate. The dry ambient air, which is usually responsible for shriveling your fruit, becomes harmless.
With this technique, you can preserve your lemons for several weeks, sometimes up to a full month.
Isolate lemons from oxygen
Another tip to keep lemons longer is to place them in a glass or rigid plastic jar and close it tightly to prevent oxygen from entering.
By reducing oxygen circulation, you slow down the cellular respiration of the citrus. This creates a naturally humid microclimate inside the jar that protects the fruit.
For the best results, store this airtight container in your vegetable crisper drawer, which is naturally more humid.
The radical freezer method
If you want the most radical and fastest solution, use the freezer. It is entirely possible to store whole lemons in the freezer. This ensures they freeze solid and never dry out, allowing you to zest or juice them whenever a recipe calls for a bright, acidic touch.
