Lemons are such a great fruit to have around and can be used for all sorts of things, from making lemonade, adding a slice to your water, using lemon zest to bake, and much more! Since lemons are non-climacteric, and do not continue ripening after harvest, it is important that you select a good lemon at the store, in order to ensure the tastiest fruit and the longest desired shelf-life. This post is all about how to select and store lemons in order to be able to enjoy them to their fullest.
(This post is an excerpt from The Produce Nerd’s Grocery Guide. You can learn more about the Grocery Guide, which covers this information for 55 different produce items, with input from 26 crop-specific companies HERE.)
What to look for when picking the best quality lemons?
- Firm, smooth skin
- They should smell like lemons
Common issues to avoid when selecting lemons?
- Decay, bruising, pitting on the skin
What is the best way to store lemons at home?
- The best way to store lemons is on the counter, as they are chilling sensitive. However, if you plan on keeping lemons for a while, you will need to put them in the refrigerator to prevent pathogen growth.
How long can lemons be stored for?
- Lemons can last for months, if they are stored properly. However, you have to remember that they could have been in storage for some time before making it to the grocery store, so once you get it, the shelf-life might not be as long. You will be able to tell once your lemon is starting to go bad based on external blemishes, or if they start to harden and get a stiff feeling. Although, the true test will be once you cut open the lemon and see the quality of the inside pulp.
How to store cut lemons?
- Cut lemons should be stored inside of an airtight container (with the lid on) in the refrigerator. Make sure to not leave them out on the counter for too long before putting them in the refrigerator. If you have them set out for a gathering or something similar, I would recommend throwing them away instead of storing them in the refrigerator due to potential pathogen growth at room temperature.
Are there any common things that consumers should look for not mentioned above?
- Lemons can be harvested green and receive an ethylene treatment, which will turn the lemons yellow. So, skin color is not a reliable source of ripeness with lemons.
What is your favorite way to eat and prepare lemons?
- Fresh lemon slices.
- I also had a lot of people suggest water with lemon while experiencing morning sickness while pregnant.
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