The Ultimate Guide to Storing Lemons for Months

Buried in sand or squeezed into tiny ice cube trays, these are tricks to keep lemons fresh and fragrant.

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Thúy uses sand to store her lemons, keeping them fresh and preserved. Photo: Provided by Thúy

This method was shared by Phạm Thị Thúy from Đồng Nai on a food forum.

– First, select intact lemons that are not bruised or damaged, and wash them thoroughly. Allow the lemons to air dry before proceeding.

– Start by pouring a layer of sand and then arranging a layer of lemons on top. Repeat this process until all the lemons are used.

– The sand should be slightly damp. If it is too dry, sprinkle some water on it. Ensure the sand is not too wet, as this may cause the lemons to rot.

– Place the container of lemons in a cool, shaded area, avoiding direct sunlight. When you need to use the lemons, simply take them out, rinse them, and they are ready for cooking.

According to Thúy, whenever she receives a batch of lemons from her hometown and is unable to use them all at once or lacks fridge space, she employs this method. Even lemons that have dried out and shriveled a bit can be revived by burying them in the sand for a week, regaining their plumpness and juiciness. This technique can also be applied to other citrus fruits such as oranges, tangerines, grapefruits, and kumquats.

In addition to Thúy’s method, Đinh Phương Chi from Hanoi offers a different approach to lemon preservation.

“The kids can drink lemon juice without the need for cutting or squeezing, and you won’t have to deal with leftover lemon halves,” Chi explains.

Here’s Chi’s method:

– Wash the lemons and soak them in a saltwater solution. Then, let them air dry.





Use paper towels to wrap the lemons and absorb any excess oil, preventing bitterness. Photo: Provided by Chi

– For larger lemons or mandarin oranges, there is no need to peel or cut them. Simply squeeze them by hand, as the peels of these fruits are thin and soft. For smaller lemons, use a slow juicer, but be sure to peel them first.

– If you’re using a larger lemon without peeling, you can use an electric citrus juicer. However, line the juicer with paper towels to absorb any oil that may be released during the juicing process, preventing bitterness.

– Try to fold the paper towels as small as possible. If they are too large, they will absorb the lemon juice as well. Change the paper towels as soon as they become damp to ensure effectiveness.





Each time you need lemon juice, simply take out a few cubes as needed. This method ensures you have fresh lemons all year round. Photo: Provided by Chi

– After juicing, pour the lemon juice into ice cube trays and place them in the freezer.

– Once the lemon juice is frozen, transfer the cubes to a storage container or a ziplock bag and keep them in the freezer.

– When you need lemon juice for cooking, seasoning, or making drinks, simply take out the desired amount of lemon cubes and let them thaw.

Chi assures that by preserving lemons this way, you’ll always have fragrant and appealing lemon juice at your disposal throughout the year.

Vy Trang

Frequently asked questions

Lemons can last up to 3 months if stored properly. At room temperature, they will last about a week, and in the refrigerator, they can last up to a month.

The best way to store lemons for the long term is to freeze them. Cut the lemons into slices or wedges, place them in a single layer on a baking sheet, and freeze until solid. Then, transfer the frozen lemons to a freezer-safe container or bag and store them in the freezer for up to 3 months.

Yes, lemons can be stored at room temperature, but they will only last about a week. It is best to keep them in a well-ventilated area and away from direct sunlight.

To store lemons in the refrigerator, place them in a sealed container or plastic bag in the crisper drawer. They will last up to a month when stored this way.

Yes, lemon juice can be frozen. Simply pour the juice into ice cube trays and freeze until solid. Then, transfer the frozen lemon juice cubes to a freezer-safe bag or container and store them in the freezer for up to 3 months.

Lemons that have been stored long-term may lose some of their freshness and flavor. It is best to use them in cooked dishes or baked goods rather than as a fresh garnish.
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