How to Store Lemon Juice for Long ? Lemons are a fruit that we frequently utilize in savory dishes as well as various desserts. This is why we keep them in the kitchen at all times. However, because lemons contain a lot of water, if they aren’t utilized within a week or two, they tend to dry out; the juice drains out and the zest becomes opaque. So, let’s look at how to store fresh and fragrant lemons.
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Lemons are a fruit that we frequently utilize in savory dishes as well as various desserts. This is why we keep them in the kitchen at all times. However, because lemons contain a lot of water, if they aren’t utilized within a week or two, they tend to dry out; the juice drains out and the zest becomes opaque.
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Despite their high acidity, lemons go bad just like other fruits, and it is not uncommon to see them moldy on the surface even when kept in the refrigerator. In short, it appears that keeping lemons fresh all year round will be difficult. In actuality, it is not; simply take some easy procedures to preserve lemons.
How to Keep Lemons Fresh in the Refrigerator
The best way to keep lemons fresh is to store them in the refrigerator. Indeed, at room temperature, especially in the summer, these citrus fruits deteriorate much faster. Lemons typically last around 7-8 days when kept away from light and heat sources.
If you are not going to squeeze them right away, it is best not to cut them. Keep them whole in the fridge, especially if it’s really hot outside. Place them in food-safe plastic bags on the middle shelf of the refrigerator, taking care not to compress them too much.
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If, on the other hand, you have already cut the lemon in half, wrap each half in plastic wrap before placing them in the refrigerator. They will not lose water this way and will survive around 3 days.
It is not suggested to freeze full or half lemons. Rather, if you want to keep the lemon in the freezer for a longer period of time and minimize waste, cut it into slices on a pan lined with baking paper. Separate them and freeze them in this position. After a few hours, place them all in a plastic bag and defrost as needed for sweets and drinks.
How to Keep Lemon Zest
Lemon zest can also be reused in a variety of recipes. It is commonly grated to lend a fresh and fragrant flavor to recipes.
As a result, even if a lemon has dried inside and the pulp is now dry, you can always save the lemon zest to keep in the cupboard. There are only two hermetic glass jars required: one larger and one smaller (about 500ml).
First, thoroughly wash and dry the lemons under running water. With a sharp knife, cut them into four wedges without entirely removing them.
Take a 500ml glass jar with a sterilized hermetic seal (you may do this in the dishwasher or in a pot of boiling water). Place a couple tablespoons of coarse salt in the container and roll the lemons in it.
Put them in the glass jar, pushing them down firmly, and then cover with more coarse salt. Close the airtight glass jar and store it in a cold, dark area for about a week or 10 days.
At that time, take all of the salt from the glass jar and dab the lemon wedges with paper towels. You can separate them at this point. Fill the smallest glass jar halfway with olive oil and store in the pantry for 12 hours. The next day, place the glass jar in the freezer; the lemon zest in oil will keep for a long time.
How to Store Lemon Juice
It is also feasible to preserve simply lemon juice. A fresh-squeezed lemon will keep in the refrigerator for about 3 or 4 days without losing its flavor.
Alternatively, you can freeze the juice by squeezing it into a plastic container or an ice cube form and freezing it. If necessary, defrost the juice for a lemonade or as a single quantity to add to your recipes.
