How to Store Lemons So They Stay Fresh

Storing lemons correctly is crucial to keeping them fresh and flavorful, so you can enjoy them in everything from zesty desserts to refreshing lemonade. While you can store lemons for some time at room temperature, refrigeration is key for optimal freshness. Storing lemons properly will extend the life of your lemons as well as preserve their juiciness—lemons stored at room temperature can easily dry out!

Knowing what to do with lemons once you get them home from the market will help you always have this versatile ingredient on hand. Ahead, experts share their best tips on how to store lemons to keep them fresh for longer. Plus, learn how to preserve cut lemons, lemon juice, and lemon zest.

Why It's Important to Store Lemons Correctly

Lemons aren't as perishable as, say, berries or bagged salad, so do you really need to bother with specific storage? Yes, because storing lemons properly keeps them fresh for longer and also maintains the soft texture of the rind, and keeps their flavor intact.

"When lemons are fresher, they are sweeter and less acidic than when they start to dry out, which happens quicker at room temperature," says Maddy Rotman, head of sustainability at Imperfect Foods.

How to Store Whole Lemons

Whole lemons can be stored on the countertop but our experts prefer to store their citrus in the refrigerator because this keeps the lemons fresh for longer.

"You can keep them on the counter but they won't last as long and will start to dry out," says Anina von Haeften, co-founder of the food delivery service Farm to the People. "On the counter, they will last about a week, and in the fridge, they can last up to a month."

You can simply stash lemons in the crisper drawer, but von Haeften says to pop them into a sealed, airtight container first, as this will help them stay juicier and keep their moisture for longer.

What About Unripe Lemons?

If you happen to have unripe (green) lemons, however, she recommends stowing them on the counter until they turn yellow, then putting them in your crisper drawer in the refrigerator.

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How to Store Cut Lemons, Juice, and Zest

Now you're clear on how to store whole lemons, let's turn our attention to leftover lemons and the right way to store half a lemon, lemon juice, or lemon zest.

Half a Lemon

If you only use half a lemon, Rotman recommends covering the exposed end of the other half with plastic wrap, placing it in a sealed container, or using a Food Hugger or other produce saver to preserve it when you store it in the refrigerator. She says it's best to use it within a few days before it dries out.

Lemon Juice

To preserve leftover lemon juice, Rotman recommends keeping it in a sealed container in the refrigerator. Stored like that, it will keep its fresh flavor for a couple of days. "After that, it's best to use lemon juice for cooking or baking or freeze the rest by pouring it into ice cube trays and storing it in a container when frozen."

Lemon Zest

Most of the time, we want lemons for slicing or juicing so it's all about lemon flesh, but don't overlook the rind. While we don't usually eat it straight (unless we candy it), the rind has a useful component—lemon zest.

Rotman urges home cooks to never throw away a lemon rind without zesting it first. "Lemon zest is so versatile in cooking and baking. Even if you don't need it right away, you can pop it in a sealed container and store it in the freezer. Thaw when you're ready to make the lemony desserts you've been dreaming about."