There appears to be a misunderstanding over how to store lemons and limes. Should they be stored at room temperature or in the fridge?

In this article, I have enlisted a variety of specialists to uncover this citrus enigma. Read on for a comprehensive guide to storing lemons and limes. These methods will keep your citrus fresh and zingy all summer long.

Knowing the fundamentals of citrus storage

It’s important to note a few general suggestions for keeping citrus fruits fresh before we get into the intricacies of storage. Citrus fruits come in a variety of tastes, sizes, hues, and textures but they all require a similar method of storing.

Christina Ward, senior director for Sunkist Growers, a cooperative of citrus producers, asserts that “storing citrus is the same across most varieties.” Let’s examine the two primary methods of storing lemons and limes: refrigeration and room temperature.

Storing lemons and limes at room temperature

Lemons and limes can be kept at room temperature if you intend to use them within one or two days after purchase. Moisture is essential for “maintaining citrus freshness”, according to Sunnia Gull, head of advertising at Sumo Citrus.

The key to maintaining citrus at its best, according to Gull, is moisture. Lemons and limes can keep edible for a few days at room temperature.

To prevent faster ripening and reduce shelf life, avoid stacking or placing fruits in a bowl. Instead, keep them in a cool, shaded area, ensuring they are not overcrowded.

The anti-aging power of refrigeration

While temporary room temperature preservation of lemons and limes is acceptable, chilling is the best method for increasing their shelf life. You may prolong the enjoyment of these citrus fruits’ flavor by chilling them.

Farm To People co-owner Anina Von Haeften advises keeping lemons in the fridge in a sealed container. By preserving the fruit’s moisture, this packaging keeps the fruit juicy and stops it from rotting out.

Lemons stored in the refrigerator can keep up to a month, although those kept at room temperature usually only last a week or so, according to Haeften.

Store the rind – don’t waste the zest

The skin of lemons and limes should never be thrown away without first removing the zest. Lemon zest is a flexible food additive that may improve the tastes of many foods and sweets. Some of our favorite lemon recipes are lemon drop cookies and lemon basil ricotta raviolis.

You may store it in the freezer if you don’t need it right away and defrost it anytime you want to add a dash of lemony flavor to your cooking masterpieces. Therefore, take careful to keep the zest for later culinary explorations before tossing the rind.

Identifying freshness

In order to prevent ingesting rotten product, it helps to understand when citrus fruits have gone sour. Slight peel browning is typical, but sourness or a fermented flavor or odor are undeniable signs that lemons and limes have gone bad.

Another blatant indication that it’s time to throw away the fruit is mold. Perform the squeeze test if you’re dubious of the freshness.

Fresh lemons and limes should be somewhat flexible but not very mushy, worn out, or squishy. Additionally, the fruit should be thrown away if there is no lemony perfume present or if an unpleasant odor is present.

The bottom line is…

Refrigeration is the suggested storage option for lemons and limes to retain their ideal freshness, juiciness, and taste. Although they may be kept at room temperature for brief durations, the refrigerator is the ideal place to keep them for an extended amount of time.

You may take advantage of the zesty flavor and adaptability of lemons and limes in your favorite dishes by adhering to these storage recommendations. Before throwing away the skin, don’t forget to zest and juice the fruit since they may provide a variety of recipes a delicious citrusy boost of flavor.

Buy plenty of lemons and limes given that you now know how to keep them sharp and use them to their fullest in your gourmet endeavors.