How Long Do Lemons Last?

Making lemonade out of those extra lemons only works when you know how long lemons last. This is your go-to guide on how long lemons last in the fridge or at room temperature. Plus we provide tips for storing so that you can make all the lemonade before they go bad!

When lemons are in season, you'll always find a handful of them in our fridge. They're so good to use in so many recipes, and fresh lemon slices are the perfect garnish for a number of dishes and pair well with a variety of cocktails.

Health Benefits

Lemons have a handful of beneficial health properties (source).

• They are great for supporting overall heart health
• They can help you control weight
• Wonderful to add to your water to help you stay hydrated
• Lemon juice is good for preventing kidney stones and reducing your risk for cancer
• They're great for improving digestive health too

How long do lemons last at room temperature?

At room temperature, whole uncut lemons can stay fresh for 7-10 days. Organic lemons can last up to 10 days before they start to rot.

Lemons will start to deteriorate and lose their moisture if left at room temperature for longer than a week. The lemon rind has pores that the lemon juice escapes through, causing it to dry out over time.

The shelf life of lemons and other citrus fruits stored this way can also vary depending on the state in which you bought them and how they were stored before that.

For instance, I've found that produce from farmers market tend to stay fresher than the ones at the grocery stores because they spend less time in transit from farm to market.

Whether you purchase at your local grocery store or farmers market, it is important to wait and wash your lemons right before you are ready to use them.

The rinds have a nice waxy layer on them that protect the juice and tender inside from potential bacteria that could seek their way in through the pores.

If you wash them too early, way before you want to use them, you'll risk losing that protection layer and letting bacteria and other bad things in.

For cut lemons, consume within 24 hours otherwise, the juice will start to dry out. Store in a closed container or a plastic wrap so that it is not exposed to air causing the juice to evaporate.

How long do whole lemons last in the fridge?

Whole fresh lemons can last up to a month in the refrigerator if stored properly in the right storage conditions, in an airtight container, or sealed up in a plastic bag.

The refrigerator is the best place to store whole uncut lemons.

I suggest storing on the fridge shelf or tossing them in the crisper drawer in whatever container you choose.

How long do cut lemons last in the fridge?

Cut lemons can last up to a week in the fridge when store in an airtight closed container.

It's a good idea to store cut lemon wedges wrapped in damp paper towels, plastic wrap, or aluminum foil before placing them in an airtight container or zip-top bag.

If storing your cut lemon wedges, wheels, or slices in a ziploc bag, make sure to press out the excess air so they stay fresh as long as possible.

Change the wet paper towels as necessary and check on your wedges frequently so you can discard those bad pieces so they don't contaminate the others left that are still good.

How long does freshly squeezed lemon juice last?

Freshly squeezed lemon juice should be stored in a sealed container and it should last about 3 to 4 days.

There's a chance that the juice could stay fresh a little longer, but it's better to be safe than sorry, and either discard it after that time, or use other storage methods to prolong its shelf life.

Making fresh squeezed juice is always a favorite, especially during the hot summer. So, it's important to store it properly so it can last a long time.

You can also choose to freeze your fresh lemon juice if desired. I suggest pouring it into a plastic container or pouring it into ice cube trays to use again later. Creating ice cubes with your leftover juice is perfect for adding to your ice lemon water to add a pop of citrus zing to help you drink more water.

Can you freeze whole lemons to extend shelf life?

Yes, freezing whole lemons is a great way to extend the lemons shelf life. It's something I highly recommend doing if you plan to use the lemon zest later.

Fresh lemons can be frozen for up to 6 months. Store in a ziplock bag or a in a separate container so that they are not interacting with some of your other frozen vegetables.

Freezing and then thawing them for later use makes it easier to zest the fruit.

Freezing them also makes juicing easier too since freezing the fruit weakens the cell walls.

How to tell if lemons have gone bad?

If you fear that your lemons are going bad, here are some tell tale signs to look for:

• Soft to touch: If your lemon has soft spots or is squishy to the touch- toss it!
• Slimy Skin: If you pick up your lemon and notice that it has a slimy skin or is moist to the touch, just drop that bad boy in the garbage can.
• Shrunk in Size: If you see that your lemons have lost juice and have shrunk in size, become wrinkled and shriveled or even have become super hard to the touch, they're not lemons you want to use- just get rid of them.
• Dark Spots: If you notice a funky smell or see have dark spots - they are a sign that the fruit has gone bad!
• Loss in Color: Your lemons should have a nice bright yellow rind, if yours looks dingy, don't use them, just get new fresh fruit at the grocery store.
• Mold Spots: If you notice moldy spots, don't use them either.

You don't want to risk using bad or old lemons or lemon juice. Expired juice could have toxins or bacteria in it once it starts to go sour and it can make you sick. If you have any questions or concerns trying to figure out if it's safe to use, it's better to be safe and just toss it.

If you're ready to use those lemons before they go bad, here are two of my favorite recipes to use them in: Creamy Lemon Vegan Risotto and a nice glass or two of Apple, Blueberry, Lemon Smoothies!

Conclusion

When lemons are in season, you'll always find a handful of them in our fridge. They're so good to use in so many recipes, and fresh lemon slices are the perfect garnish for a number of dishes and pair well with a variety of cocktails.

Lemon zest and juice can be added to various recipes to add a pop of citrus flavoring too. Not to mention adding lemon juice to some items is great for preserving them.

With so many reasons and ways to use them, it's never a bad idea to have a few extra on hand.

Now that you know all about storing them properly, what are you planning to do with those extra lemons? Drop us a comment if you enjoyed this article of if you have any tips!

More topics to explore

• How long does cauliflower last in the fridge?
• How long does broccoli last in the fridge?
• How long do apples last in the fridge?
• How to store bananas
• How long do strawberries last?
• How long do blueberries last?

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