What you need:
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Whole lemons
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A glass jar or bowl
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Cold water
Steps:
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Place lemons in the container.
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Fully cover them with cold water.
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Seal with a lid or plastic wrap.
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Store in the fridge.
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Change the water every 7–10 days.
How long they last:
✅ 2–3 months, sometimes more
💡 Water prevents moisture loss and slows bacterial growth.
Method 3: Freeze Lemons (For Juice & Zest)
Freezing is ideal if you use lemons mainly for juice or cooking.
Option A: Freeze Whole Lemons
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Wash, dry, and freeze whole lemons in a freezer bag.
Option B: Freeze Lemon Juice
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Juice lemons and freeze the juice in ice cube trays.
Option C: Freeze Zest
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Grate zest and freeze in small portions.
How long they last:
✅ Up to 6–12 months
⚠️ Texture changes after thawing, but flavor remains excellent.
Method 4: Salt-Preserved Lemons (Traditional & Long-Lasting)
This is the classic preservation method used in Mediterranean and North African kitchens.
What you need:
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Lemons
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Coarse salt
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Glass jar
Steps:
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Cut lemons lengthwise (almost in quarters, but not fully through).
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Stuff generously with salt.
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Press lemons tightly into the jar.
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Add extra lemon juice if needed to fully cover.
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Seal and store in a cool place or fridge.
How long they last:
✅ 6 months to 1 year
🍋 Preserved lemons develop a deep, savory flavor — perfect for cooking.
Method 5: Store Lemons in Sand (Old-School Technique)
This lesser-known method mimics traditional underground storage.
What you need:
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Dry, clean sand
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Clay pot or box
Steps:
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Bury whole, dry lemons fully in sand.
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Store in a cool, dark place.
How long they last:
✅ Several months, sometimes close to a year
⚠️ Best for cool climates and careful monitoring.
Mistakes to Avoid
🚫 Leaving lemons loose in the fridge
🚫 Washing lemons before storage
🚫 Mixing damaged lemons with fresh ones
🚫 Storing near ethylene-producing fruits (like apples)
How to Tell If a Lemon Is Still Good
✔ Firm skin
✔ Fresh citrus smell
✔ No mold or slime
❌ Soft spots
❌ Sour or musty odor
❌ Visible mold
Final Thoughts
You don’t need to throw away lemons ever again. With the right storage method, you can:
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Save money
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Reduce food waste
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Always have fresh lemons on hand
Whether you choose airtight storage, water preservation, freezing, or salt-preserving, lemons can last far longer than most people think.
👉 The key is controlling air, moisture, and temperature.
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