Lemons are incredibly useful in the kitchen, adding bright flavor to everything from tea to pasta. It is disappointing when you cut into a lemon only to find it dry or moldy. To keep lemons fresh and extract all their juice, you do not need to be a professional chef. You just need to know a few simple tricks about how to store and prepare them. Here are seven easy ways to keep your lemons fresh and full of juice for longer.
Roll the Lemons
Before cutting a lemon, place it on the counter and roll it back and forth with your hand. This action helps break down the internal membranes and softens the skin, making it easier to squeeze out maximum juice.
Keep Lemons in Water
If you simply leave lemons in the fridge, they will dry out. Instead, place your lemons in a jar filled with water and close the lid. Then store the jar in the refrigerator. This method helps keep lemons fresh for an extended period.
Use a Bag to Keep Lemons Fresh
If you do not have room in your fridge for a jar of lemons, you can use a resealable bag. Put the lemons in the bag, squeeze out the air, and seal it. This prevents the lemons from drying out.
Do Not Cut the Lemon
When you only need a small amount of lemon juice, avoid cutting the whole lemon. Instead, use a toothpick to poke a hole in the lemon. Squeeze out the required amount of juice, then cover the hole with tape. Return the lemon to the fridge for later use.
Use the Microwave to Get Juice
Sometimes lemons become hard and yield little juice. If this happens, place the lemon in the microwave for a few seconds. This softens the lemon, making it easier to squeeze and extract more juice.
Wrap Up Leftover Lemons
After using half a lemon, you can save the remaining half by wrapping it tightly in aluminum foil. This prevents the cut surface from drying out, allowing you to use the lemon half later.
Freeze Lemon Juice and Zest
If you have an abundance of lemons that are about to spoil, freeze the juice and zest. First, grate the lemon zest and place it in a container in the freezer. Then squeeze the juice into ice cube trays. Once frozen, transfer the cubes to a resealable bag. This way, you will always have lemon juice and zest on hand whenever needed.
