I have to keep lemons in the house at all times-for water, cooking, and cleaning! There’s not much worse when cooking than to grab a lemon, say to whip up some Lemon Greek Potatoes (one of my favorite recipes!) and go to juice it and it’s hard and totally dry inside.
No sir. Talk about a letdown! (And don’t get me started if that happened with a lime when I’m making my favorite cocktail!!)
That exact situation was happening all too often to me until I figured out a few years ago the secret to keeping lemons (and limes) fresh for UP TO A MONTH! Yes, that’s right! With this method I’ve kept citrus fresh for four weeks-boo-ya!
The secret is to keep the lemons refrigerated and here’s the kicker-immersed in water!! First, wash the outside thoroughly-you won’t believe the ickiness on the outside of citrus, believe me, there have been studies…you don’t want to slice those babies without cleaning them up, same for storing them!
After cleaning place in a large container-I use wide mouth mason jars for just a few or larger glass containers for an entire bag. Fill with water to cover the lemons completely and seal the top! That’s it! The coolness of the fridge and the lack of exposure to air keep the lemons perfectly juicy and ready for you to use when you’re ready!
Now-someone tell me the best way to keep apples fresh because it never fails that if I buy a few at a time my boys eat them in a day, if I buy the whole bag they get grainy before they get eaten!!!
Mitch Eisen
To save bananas, wrap the stem in tin foil, NOT Saran Wrap! Works everytime!!
Melissa
I’ll give it a try!
Brittany
Any ideas on how to keep bananas fresh ?
Melissa
I haven’t done my own tests Brittany but I have heard that wrapping the stems in plastic wrap helps and also keeping them away from any other overripe fruit. Sorry not to be more help!
Effa
how about getting them frozen? can i use this method?
Jennifer
The owner of a local orchard taught be a trick about storing apples. A little moisture and lack of air is the trick. Put them in a bag you can seal, add just a tbspns or 1/4 cup of water, seal and store in fridge. They keep for ever and stay fresh!
Samantha Mahoney
How long do they last this way
Melissa
I’ve kept them up to four weeks this way Samantha!
Marissa
Could you store lemons and limes together in a jar?
Karen
What about oranges? Would keeping them in water/refrigerator work, too?
Melissa
I haven’t tried myself but it should work with all citrus Karen! ~Melissa
Nancy
I am a huge Costco fan and buy lemons by the bag. I have used your trick for months and it works perfectly. I bought limes yesterday and will use it for them. My question . . . The vegetable bin in my fridge is seamless plastic. Could I fill it with water and keep the fruit there?
Melissa
yes as long as the water keeps them from air contact it should work
Nancy
Thank you so much – – I’ll give it a try!
Christine
I love these lemon and apple ideas! Thanks for aharning.
Melissa
you’re very welcome Christine! ~Melissa