The trick to storing lemons for 3 months or more and preventing them from rotting

 

🍋 The Trick to Storing Lemons for 3 Months (or More) Without Rotting

Lemons are a kitchen essential—perfect for brightening up recipes, adding a refreshing twist to drinks, and even cleaning naturally. But if you’ve ever bought a batch only to find them shriveled or moldy a week later, you’re not alone.

The good news? There’s a simple trick that can help you store lemons for 3 months or longer—fresh, juicy, and mold-free.

Here’s how to do it!

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🧊 The Best Way to Store Lemons Long-Term: In Water in the Fridge

Yes, it’s that simple. Submerging whole lemons in water and refrigerating them dramatically extends their shelf life—from just a couple of weeks to up to 3 months or more.

📝 What You’ll Need:

• Fresh, uncut lemons

• A large glass or plastic container with a lid

• Clean, cold water

• Refrigerator space

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✅ Step-by-Step Instructions:

1. Choose the Right Lemons

• Pick firm, unblemished lemons with bright yellow skin.

• Avoid any with soft spots or mold at the stem.

2. Wash and Dry

• Gently rinse the lemons to remove dirt or pesticides.

• Pat them dry with a clean towel.

3. Store in Water

• Place the lemons in a container large enough to fit them without crowding.

• Fill the container with cold water until all lemons are fully submerged.

• Seal with an airtight lid.

4. Refrigerate

• Store the container in the refrigerator (preferably near the back where it’s coldest).

• Change the water once a week to prevent cloudiness or bacteria growth.

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🕒 How Long Does It Really Last?

Stored this way, lemons can stay fresh and juicy for up to 3 months, sometimes even longer. Their skin may thicken slightly, but the inside stays perfect for squeezing, zesting, or cooking.

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🔁 Alternative Storage Tips (If You’re Short on Space)

If fridge space is tight, here are a few more ways to store lemons longer:

🍋 1. Freeze Lemon Slices or Juice

• Slice lemons and freeze them on a tray, then transfer to a freezer bag.

• Or juice them and freeze in ice cube trays.

• Great for quick use in tea, water, or recipes!

🍋 2. Preserve in Salt (Middle Eastern Style)

• Cut lemons into quarters (but not all the way through), stuff with salt, and pack tightly into a jar.

• Let sit for a few weeks at room temp, then refrigerate.

• Great for cooking Moroccan or Indian dishes!

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❌ What Not to Do

• Don’t leave lemons on the counter too long—they dry out quickly.

• Avoid storing them in sealed plastic bags without water—moisture buildup encourages mold.

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✨ Final Thoughts

Lemons don’t have to be a short-lived luxury. With this easy water-storage trick, you can keep them fresh for months, save money, and reduce waste. Whether you're a daily tea drinker or love lemony dishes, this method ensures you’ll always have fresh citrus on hand.

Try it once, and you’ll never go back to tossing spoiled lemons again!