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!!!
Connie says
Will this work for oranges too?
Melissa Riker says
I haven’t tried it Connie but I would think it would work for any citrus.
Janet says
That last message should have said sealed!
Janet says
Can you use a plastic jar with a set as led lid
Kathy says
I did ad instructed but used a plastic container. Won’t make that mistake again!
Kathy says
In order to keep apples for long periods of time pick the freshest you can find. You do this by looking at the blossom end of the apple. If it is open the apple is old, if it is closed it is fresh. I have kept apples in my crisper for weeks by doing this very important first step. If you are buying a bag look and find the bag with the most fresh apples. Once home separate them using the oldest first.
Carol Valmore says
I found a tip for storing lemons and limes, not sure where I found it, but it says to put them in a plastic bag and store in frig. It has worked for me, I put them in over a week ago and they’re still fresh, works on limes too.
Pamela Griffin says
Thanks for tips for lemons, and apples, which I use a lot. My grandfather had an apple orchard, so we learned to use apples many different ways. 😊 what about storing mint, and parsley. I put in water, and keep in fridge. Please let me know what you do. Thanks a lot, pamela
[email protected] says
Place the parsley/ in a container filled with water and put it in a clear plastic bag. Seal the bag place in the fridge and it will last 2+ week
Val Davis says
You can cut herbs and pop into a water filled ice cube tray.They freeze well.
Melissa Riker says
Great tip Val!
Becky says
The best way I keep apples fresh is wash them then put in a single layer into a gallon zip bag. Dip my fingers in fresh water then flick that water into the bag, press air out and zip the bag shut. Keep in the crisper of my frig and I always have “fresh” apples. ( I work at an apple orchard) Enjoy
Robyn says
THANK YOU FOR SHARING!!!! 🌷💫
Cindy says
Regarding commercial apple storage: Yes, apples are stored commercially in cold storage, with agar gas vs oxygen. What you buy could be up to two years old.
Sheryl says
If you buy from Costco, they will be very fresh, especially at the beginning of each season.
Melissa Riker says
Great tip, thank you Sheryl!
Deanna Schmudde says
To keep apples fresh: store in ziplock bag with damp paper towel. Tip given to us by local apple orchard. It works!
Melissa Riker says
Great tip Deanna, I will try that one out!
[email protected] says
Place the parsley/ in a container filled with water and put it in a clear plastic bag. Seal the bag place in the fridge and it will last 2+ week
Melissa Riker says
Great tip!
Marja says
Hi,
I’ll give your trick a try cos it happens way to often that the last ones are inedible. We’re a family of just 2, so i use lemons or limes regularly but I buy them by the bag full. And it just takes to long to use them all be4 they’re hard and dry. So i’m gonna use your tip for sure! Thank you very much.
Have a wonderful day and who knows….maybe till next time.
Mitch Eisen says
To save bananas, wrap the stem in tin foil, NOT Saran Wrap! Works everytime!!
Melissa says
I’ll give it a try!
Paula says
Tried did not work
Kathy says
Yes and if you separate them from each other, they will take longer to ripen. My daughter told me this and I was so surprised and ever so happy I could enjoy more young bananas. And if your trying to ripen an avocado or tomatoes in a pinch, add a banana or two to a brown paper bag with what your fruit, seal the top and place in a dark cool cabinet. Will be ripe in half the time then if you placed it in the bag all alone.
Brittany says
Any ideas on how to keep bananas fresh ?
Melissa says
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!
Carolyn says
To keep bananas fresher longer when I get home take them apart @ the stem, they seem to ripen slower after u separate them
Margie says
yes that is true. it works for me when I wrap the stem in saran wrap or aluminum foil. true story… hope that helps
Karen says
Buy organic. They last longer. Separate them from the bunch
Melissa Riker says
great tips!
Effa says
how about getting them frozen? can i use this method?
Lupe Olivares says
You can freeze them but you have to take off the peel. Put them in a gallon bag whole or cut in half however you like or use. You can use them for baking and for smoothies .ps they won’t stick together you will be able to get one or two or ad many as you need.
Jennifer says
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 says
How long do they last this way
Melissa says
I’ve kept them up to four weeks this way Samantha!
Marissa says
Could you store lemons and limes together in a jar?
Karen says
What about oranges? Would keeping them in water/refrigerator work, too?
Melissa says
I haven’t tried myself but it should work with all citrus Karen! ~Melissa
Nancy says
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 says
yes as long as the water keeps them from air contact it should work
Nancy says
Thank you so much – – I’ll give it a try!
Shelley says
If you have a defrosting freezer/fridge, filling your veg or fruit drawer with water will make it work hard trying to remove the liquid, and will cost you $$ in electricity bills. You’re better off enclosing them in resealable bags.
Christine says
I love these lemon and apple ideas! Thanks for aharning.
Melissa says
you’re very welcome Christine! ~Melissa