Tired of finding dried lemons in the crisper? Find out how to store lemons so you can keep them fresher for longer.
How to Store Lemons the Right Way
Updated on Sep. 20, 2023
I have a tendency to buy lemons in bulk. I grab the biggest bag at the store dreaming of the lemony desserts I’ll bake, the refreshing cocktails in my future and how great fresh lemon zest is going to taste in these citrus-infused dinners.
But sure enough, after a few too many days I’ll find a dried-out lemon in the bottom of the crisper drawer. It’s always disappointing since that fruit could have been part of a cool Chilton cocktail after a long work week.
So what’s the best way to store lemons to keep them fresher for longer?
How to Store Lemons
Whole lemons
Whole lemons are best kept in the fridge. It can be tempting to store lemons in a pretty bowl on your countertop or kitchen table, but avoid the urge to decorate with fresh fruit. Left at room temperature, lemons will dry out, leaving you with less juice and a tough rind.
You can also freeze whole lemons. Once solid, pop them into a sealed container for best results. Defrost the lemons at room temperature.
Lemons that have been frozen won’t taste exactly the same as a fresh lemon, so use them for baking or cooking—not for your favorite lemon martini.
Half a lemon
If you’ve sliced into a lemon (or lime), you can definitely preserve the rest of it. Used just half a lemon? Cover the exposed end with food wrap or put the whole thing in a sealed container. Use it within a few days.
Lemon wedges
Like a halved lemon, lemon wedges and slices should be stored in a sealed container and used within a few days.
How to Store Lemon Zest and Juice
Lemon zest
Don’t throw out a lemon rind without zesting it first! Even if you don’t have an immediate need for lemon zest, keeping some on hand is always a good idea. (This is how to zest a lemon.) A little zest livens up vegetable sides and adds zip to baked goods. Use fresh lemon zest within a week. If you want to preserve it for longer, store it in a sealed container in the freezer.
Lemon juice
You can keep fresh lemon juice in the fridge for a few days without any diminished quality. After a few days, the juice is best used in cooking or baking (not a fresh lemonade). Use it up within two weeks or freeze the rest. Pour the juice into ice cube trays, then remove them from the trays when frozen and store in a sealed container.
Tips for Buying and Storing Lemons
What should you look for when choosing lemons?
Like any fresh fruit, look for lemons that are free from bruises, soft spots and any noticeable scars. A good lemon is vivid yellow and will have a little bit of give when squeezed.
What fruits shouldn’t be stored with lemons?
Similar to onions and potatoes, there are some fruit combinations that shouldn’t be stored together. Don’t store apples, bananas, stone fruit or pears with other types of fruits, including lemons. Certain fruits emit a gas as they age that can cause other fruit to ripen (and then spoil) more quickly. To keep lemons as fresh as possible, keep them in the crisper on their own or with other citrus fruits.
Do lemons last longer in the fridge or on the counter?
Lemons are best kept in the fridge. Stashed in the fridge in the crisper drawer or on a shelf, fresh lemons will keep for two weeks or more. If you really want your lemons to last, keep them in a sealed container (there are even specialty produce keepers for this purpose) or a resealable plastic bag. This extra step will prevent lemons from drying out and keep them fresh for a month.
If you really want to store your lemon on the counter, use it within four to five days. The same advice applies to limes. Learn how to store ginger the right way.
Can you store lemons in water?
If you’ve ever tried storing fresh herbs in water, then you might be wondering whether storing lemons in water could produce the same results. It turns out, submerging lemons in water and refrigerating them can help them last for one to three months.
Now that you know how to store lemons, it’s time to stock up on a few extra. I’ll be using mine to make these lemon-basil recipes followed by a lemon sour cream poundcake.
Our Favorite Lemon Recipes from Sweet to Savory
Sheet-Pan Lemon Garlic ChickenTotal Time: 1 hour + marinating
Main Ingredients: Chicken thighs and drumsticks, garlic, lemon, baby red potatoes
Level: Beginner
Lemon juice makes the ideal acidic base for a zesty, herb-filled marinade. Round out this versatile sheet-pan dinner with an easy side salad and rice.
"Everyone needs an easy meal. Try this sheet-pan chicken with roasted potatoes for a simple and tasty meal guaranteed to please the whole family. If you use fresh lemon juice, garnish each serving with a little lemon zest for bright flavor." —Recipe contributor Andrea Potischman, Menlo Park, California
Lemon BarsThese delightful lemon bars have a wonderful tangy flavor, and they're always a hit. As a bonus, the color and shape make them a nice addition to a dessert platter.
Raspberry Lemon CakeTotal Time: 1 hour, 35 minutes + chilling and cooling
Main Ingredients: Eggs, sugar, lemon, butter, vanilla, flour, cream cheese, raspberry jam
Level: Advanced
Rich homemade lemon curd, moist lemon cake and dreamy raspberry-lemon frosting come together in perfect harmony to form one showstopping treat. Given that poppy seeds pair so well with lemon desserts, you could mix two tablespoons into the batter for added texture and color.
"Want a change from chocolate cake? Try this elegant lemon raspberry cake packed with refreshing citrus flavor, from the cake to the homemade lemon curd and creamy frosting. It won a blue ribbon at the Alaska State Fair and it's definitely a winner with me." —Recipe contributor Shirley Warren, Thiensville, Wisconsin
Lemon Dream CheesecakeTotal Time: 1 hour, 25 minutes + chilling
Main Ingredients: Graham crackers, butter, sugar, cream cheese, lemon
Level: Intermediate
To avoid cracks in your cheesecake, be careful not to overbake. You want the center to be almost set. We recommend lightly greasing the springform pan with butter or cooking spray, even if it already has a nonstick coating, so the cake comes out perfectly intact.
"Light and creamy, this lemon cheesecake recipe is just the thing for a spring or summer day." —Recipe contributor Bonnie Jost, Manitowoc, Wisconsin
Garlic-Lemon Shrimp LinguineTotal Time: 30 minutes
Main Ingredients: Linguine, shrimp, garlic, lemon, parsley
Level: Beginner
A tangy trifecta of lemon pepper seasoning, zest and juice complement the succulent shrimp in this pasta. Cooking shrimp recipes with olive oil and butter keeps them juicy and tender.
"The Cheesecake Factory has an extensive menu, but I always seem to order their delicious fresh and citrusy Lemon-Garlic Shrimp with pasta. I'd enjoyed it enough times that I was confident I could reproduce it to share with friends and family. I think I hit it spot on! When I have fresh basil from the garden I use that instead of parsley." —Recipe contributor Trisha Kruse, Eagle, Idaho
World's Best Lemon PieTotal Time: 1 hour + chilling and cooling
Main Ingredients: Pie dough, sugar, flour, egg, butter, lemon
Level: Advanced
You can make this airy, decadent dessert with premade pie crust from the store or make your own using our go-to pie crust recipe. We even like using a graham cracker crust for a bit of golden nuttiness.
"Mother's pies were always so memorable, with tender, flaky crusts. In summer the order of the day was lemon meringue!" —Recipe contributor Phyllis Kirsling, Junction City, Wisconsin
Limoncello TiramisuBrighten up dessert with our light, vibrant limoncello tiramisu. Its filling is made with limoncello-spiked lemon curd, mascarpone cheese and whipping cream.
Lemon Herbed SalmonTotal Time: 30 minutes
Main Ingredients: Bread crumbs, salmon, garlic, parsley, Parmesan cheese, lemon, butter
Level: Beginner
Herby bread crumbs mixed with lemon zest and Parmesan make a savory crust for salmon (and just about any other fish). Choose one of our fantastic side dishes for salmon to serve alongside the main course.
"We sometimes send our Washington salmon all the way to Michigan for my sister to use in this family-favorite dish! The tasty topping can be used on other types of fish as well. Fresh thyme from your garden really sparks the flavor." —Recipe contributor Perlene Hoekema, Lynden, Washington
Lemon Mushroom ChickenTotal Time: 30 minutes
Main Ingredients: Chicken breast, flour, butter, chicken broth, mushrooms, lemon
Level: Beginner
Lemon juice, sliced mushrooms, broth and the crispy bits from chicken breasts create a restaurant-worthy pan sauce you'll want to spoon over everything. Serve sides that can sop up the bright yet earthy flavors, like mashed potatoes or egg noodles.
"There's a lot of flavor in this dish. The best part? It doesn't seem light at all!" —Recipe contributor Carrie Palmquist, Canova, South Dakota
Lemon Roasted Red PotatoesTotal Time: 50 minutes
Main Ingredients: Small red potatoes, lemon, thyme, garlic sauce
Level: Beginner
Tender, earthy roasted potatoes are a wonderful vehicle for absorbing lemon-garlic goodness. Add even more lemony punch by mixing a teaspoon of lemon zest into the sauce.
"I like trying out new recipes on my boyfriend, and he's always willing to taste-test. The lemon juice and thyme give these golden potatoes fabulous flavor." —Recipe contributor Sally Sue Campbell, Greenville, Tennessee
Blueberry Lemon CakeTotal Time: 45 minutes
Main Ingredients: Butter, sugar, lemon, blueberries, cake mix, whipped cream
Level: Beginner
A great trick for jazzing up boxed yellow cake mix is working in citrus zest and berries, like we do in this recipe. You can use fresh or frozen blueberries; if you use frozen, don't thaw them. (Here's how to freeze blueberries so you'll always have them on hand.)
"I always set aside some of my fresh-picked blueberries to make this tender lemon blueberry cake. Using cake mix makes it a quick and easy dessert." —Recipe contributor Leona Luecking, West Burlington, Iowa
Lemon Chess PieTotal Time: 50 minutes + chilling
Main Ingredients: Pie crust, eggs, sugar, lemon, butter, flour
Level: Beginner
Making pie crust from scratch might seem daunting, but once you get the hang of it, you'll be able to whip up the flaky foundation for so many homemade pies, including this rich lemon chess pie. Of course, there's no shame in using premade crusts when you're in a pinch or want dessert ASAP.
"This bright and creamy lemon chess pie cuts beautifully and has a smooth texture. It's one of my favorites." —Recipe contributor Hannah LaRue Rider, East Point, Kentucky
Fried Lemon-Pepper WingsTotal Time: 30 minutes
Main Ingredients: Chicken wings, flour, butter, lemon-pepper seasoning, parsley
Level: Beginner
These zesty, perfectly tender chicken wings are flavorful enough on their own, but why not go all in and serve with creamy homemade ranch dressing? Round out the menu with crunchy crudités and your game day spread is complete.
"These lemon-pepper wings are perfect for game day. Try these out if you've been stuck in a chicken wing rut. Add grated lemon zest to the butter mixture if you want a more pronounced lemon flavor." —Taste Recipes Test Kitchen
Lemon Ricotta PancakesTotal Time: 30 minutes
Main Ingredients: Rhubarb, brown sugar, flour, ricotta cheese, milk, lemon
Level: Beginner
For a thoroughly impressive brunch spread, serve these light, creamy ricotta pancakes with lemon garnish and lots of rhubarb sauce. If you can't get your hands on rhubarb to make the sauce, fold frozen raspberries into the pancake batter for that hit of tartness.
"I'm a firm believer that rhubarb recipes cannot be too plentiful. Here, it is featured in the sauce for lovely lemon pancakes. These are yummy for brunch." —Recipe contributor Marilyn Rodriguez, Spark, Nevada
Lemon Sheet CakeTotal Time: 30 minutes + cooling
Main Ingredients: Lemon cake mix, eggs, lemon pie filling, cream cheese, butter
Level: Beginner
If you don't already have a can of lemon pie filling in your pantry, we recommend you stock up—if only for this rich, fluffy lemon dessert. We like to top this quick sheet cake with homemade whipped cream and candied lemon slices.
"Lemon pie filling lends a splash of citrus flavor to a convenient cake mix, and a rich cream cheese frosting gives it sweetness. My family likes this lemon sheet cake cold, so I cut it into squares and freeze it before serving." —Recipe contributor Alyce Dubisar, North Bend, Oregon
Air-Fryer Chicken ThighsTotal Time: 20 minutes
Main Ingredients: Bone-in chicken thighs, spices
Level: Beginner
Juicy on the inside and crispy on the outside, these herby chicken thighs are one of our favorite air-fryer recipes. We find bone-in chicken thighs work best for this recipe, but you could substitute boneless. Just bear in mind that they won't take as long to cook.
"This air-fryer chicken thighs recipe creates meat that is crispy on the outside but super juicy on the inside. The paprika and garlic seasoning blend comes through beautifully." —Taste Recipes Test Kitchen
Lemon-Garlic Cream FettuccineTotal Time: 40 minutes
Main Ingredients: Lemon, parsley, garlic, fettuccine, plum tomatoes
Level: Intermediate
Cream cheese is the secret ingredient in this luscious lemony pasta dish, as it binds all the flavors together and coats each strand of fettuccine. To round out the meal, top this pasta with buttery grilled shrimp and serve with a bright green side salad.
"I've been making this lemony pasta for the family for years. It's both simple and indulgent enough to make it a go-to recipe." —Recipe contributor Anne Miller, Glenfield, New York
Lemon SnowflakesTotal Time: 40 minutes
Main Ingredients: Lemon cake mix, whipped topping, egg, confectioners' sugar
Level: Intermediate
If you haven't been using boxed cake mix to make cookies, get on board! These four-ingredient snowflake treats are festive, fun and customizable. Try mixing chopped walnuts into the batter or experimenting with other flavors of cake mix.
"You'll need just four ingredients to make these delightful lemon snowflake cookies. Confectioners' sugar highlights the cracked tops to give them their snowflake appearance." —Recipe contributor Linda Barry, Dianna, Texas
Lemon Sour Cream Pound CakeTotal Time: 1 hour, 15 minutes + cooling
Main Ingredients: Butter, sugar, eggs, lemon, sour cream
Level: Beginner
This picture-worthy lemon Bundt is the star of any dessert table it's on. For an extra pop of texture, mix poppy seeds into the batter. We also like to serve this with fresh raspberries and a dollop of homemade whipped cream.
"Everyone raves about this pretty lemon sour cream pound cake—and it sure doesn't last long with my family. It also freezes beautifully, so why not make two and pop one into the freezer for another day?" —Recipe contributor Annettia Mounger, Kansas City, Missouri
Lemon BreadTotal Time: 50 minutes + cooling
Main Ingredients: Butter, sugar, eggs, lemon, flour, milk
Level: Beginner
Paired with lemon juice and zest, lemon extract brings even more sunshine to this loaf. There are plenty of ways to use up a bottle of lemon extract so it doesn't sit in your pantry untouched for months.
"I often bake this sunshiny-sweet lemon bread when company's due. It has a loaf-like texture." —Recipe contributor Kathy Scott, Lingle, Wyoming
Tangy Lemon Chiffon PieTotal Time: 1 hour, 5 minutes + chilling and cooling
Main Ingredients: Pie dough, sugar, eggs, lemon, heavy cream
Level: Intermediate
Served chilled, this airy, decadent pie is a must-try dessert on a hot day. Deck out the topping with a chocolate drizzle, raspberries or blueberries.
"This lemon chiffon pie is so easy to make, you can put it together in no time at all. And it's impressive enough to share with guests!" —Taste Recipes Test Kitchen
Air-Fryer AsparagusTotal Time: 20 minutes
Main Ingredients: Lemon, garlic, asparagus, Parmesan
Level: Beginner
We can't get enough of air-fryer veggie recipes, and these tasty, crisp asparagus make for quite an easy side dish. When you're choosing asparagus at the store, make sure the bunch is firm and vibrant green. Mushy tops are a sign that they're past their prime.
"This air-fryer asparagus recipe is packed with flavor, thanks to the lemon-garlic dressing that the spears are tossed in before roasting. It's a simple, quick side that goes with almost anything." —Recipe contributor Tina Mirilovich, Johnstown, Pennsylvania
Shaker Lemon PieTotal Time: 55 minutes + standing
Main Ingredients: Lemons, sugar, eggs, pie crust dough, vanilla
Level: Intermediate
To make sure your lemon slices get nice and thin for this lovely sweet-tart pie, use a mandoline or very sharp knife. You can serve the pie at any temperature (warm, room temp or chilled), and it will always go well with a big scoop of cream cheese ice cream.
"Also known as Ohio lemon pie, this Shaker lemon pie is a Midwestern favorite. Its thrifty use of whole lemons is unique and gives the pie a lovely combination of sweet, tart and slightly bitter flavors. Lemon lovers won't be able to stop at a single piece." —Recipe contributor Deb Perry, Traverse City, Michigan
Lemon Anise BiscottiTotal Time: 1 hour, 5 minutes + cooling
Main Ingredients: Eggs, sugar, lemon extract, vanilla extract, flour, anise seed
Level: Intermediate
We love to enjoy these crispy lemon biscotti alongside (or dipped in) a homemade latte or cup of tea. The cooled biscotti can be kept in an airtight container for up to two weeks.
"With the growing popularity of gourmet coffees, cappuccino and espresso, I'm finding lots of people enjoy these classic Sicilian dipping cookies." —Recipe contributor Carrie Sherrill, Forestville, Wisconsin
Lemony Pineapple Iced TeaTotal Time: 30 minutes + chilling
Main Ingredients: Mint, tea bags, pineapple juice, lemon juice, sugar
Level: Beginner
In the summertime, keep a pitcher of this refreshing, mint-scented iced tea in the fridge. Because the tea is packed with tart lemon and pineapple juice, it's like a tropical twist on an Arnold Palmer.
"I like to garnish this iced tea with some of our sweet Hawaiian pineapple." —Recipe contributor Beverly Toomey, Honolulu, Hawaii
Lemon SconesTotal Time: 35 minutes
Main Ingredients: Flour, sugar, butter, buttermilk, lemon zest
Level: Beginner
It's amazing what a teaspoon or two of lemon zest can accomplish when folded into a simple scone dough. These zippy lemon scones also taste wonderful with fresh blueberries mixed into the batter.
"These delicate lemon scones are the perfect lightly sweet treat to serve with coffee or tea at any holiday get-together. It's a simple bread since, like biscuits, it doesn't require much kneading and there's no need to let the dough rise." —Recipe contributor Maureen DeGarmo, Martinez, California
Grandmother’s Bread Pudding with Lemon SauceComforting is the best way to describe this lovely, flavorful bread pudding. And the drizzle of tangy lemon sauce offers a little zing! —Edna Butler, Los Fresnos, Texas
Lemon Cheesecake SquaresTotal Time: 1 hour
Main Ingredients: Sugar, flour, oats, raspberry jam, cream cheese, lemon, eggs
Level: Intermediate
To cut this rich lemon cheesecake into perfectly clean squares, wipe your knife between each cut, so the cake doesn't stick to the blade. Another delicious variation on this dessert? Replace the raspberry jam with orange marmalade for a creamy all-citrus treat.
"Whether I'm hosting friends or sending a plate to work with my husband, these creamy elegant lemon cheesecake bars are always a hit. It's a wonderful make-ahead dessert that easily serves a large group." —Recipe contributor Peggy Reddick, Cumming, Georgia
Lemon Chicken PastaTotal Time: 45 minutes
Main Ingredients: Chicken breast, angel hair pasta, garlic, Parmigiano-Reggiano, parsley, lemon
Level: Intermediate
What's not to love about lemon, garlic, chicken and angel hair pasta? This satisfying pasta dish has the perfect balance of brightness from the lemon and creaminess from the Parmigiano-Reggiano.
"My grandmother made chicken wings and served them over rice. To speed things up, I cook lemony chicken breasts and serve them over capellini pasta." —Recipe contributor Aileen Rivera, Bronx, New York
Shrimp with Orzo and FetaShrimp with orzo and feta is light, fresh and ready in 30 minutes. With juicy tomatoes, garlic, lemon and fresh herbs, this Mediterranean-inspired meal is a must-make.
Grilled Lemon ChickenTotal Time: 45 minutes
Main Ingredients: Chicken breasts, lemonade concentrate, garlic, soy sauce, garlic powder
Level: Beginner
If you've only ever used lemonade concentrate to make, well, lemonade, we're about to blow your mind. When whisked with soy sauce, garlic and spices, the tangy concentrate makes a punchy marinade for grilled chicken.
"My chicken gets its subtle pucker from lemonade concentrate. So simple, so sweet!" —Recipe contributor Linda Nilsen, Anoka, Minnesota
Lemon-Parmesan Broiled AsparagusTotal Time: 15 minutes
Main Ingredients: Mayonnaise, lemon, garlic, asparagus, Parmesan
Level: Beginner
If you can't cook your asparagus right away after buying them, place them in a container of cold water in the refrigerator to keep them as fresh as possible. Change the water at least once every two days.
"These special spears are packed with flavor, thanks to the lemon-garlic dressing they're tossed in before roasting. It's a simple, quick side that goes with almost anything." —Recipe contributor Tina Repak, Johnstown, Pennsylvania
Lemon Oregano PotatoesTotal Time: 45 minutes
Main Ingredients: Red or russet potatoes, lemon
Level: Beginner
The secret to this tender, golden brown potato dish is simmering the potatoes before tossing them in the seasoned lemon mixture and roasting them in the oven. If you have herbs on hand, finish these potatoes with fresh oregano and a glug of fruity olive oil.
"My husband, Tom, made these tender potatoes when we were first married. They've remained a family favorite to this day." —Recipe contributor Kate Hilts, Grand Rapids, Michigan
Lemon Recipe FAQ
How do you zest a lemon?
There are three main ways to zest a lemon. The cooks in our Test Kitchen use a zester, a box grater or a Microplane. You could also use a vegetable peeler, then chop up the peel into finer pieces. Store lemon zest in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to one week.
How much juice is in one lemon?
You'll typically get two to three tablespoons of juice from one medium-sized lemon. The amount of juice can vary from fruit to fruit, so measure before adding lemon juice to a recipe. When in doubt, always grab one more lemon than you think you might use!
How do you store lemons?
Store whole lemons in the fridge to help keep them juicier for longer. We know that bowl of citrus on your counter looks pretty, but lemons can dry out when left at room temperature. If you've sliced a lemon in half or have wedges, store in a sealed container and use them within a few days.
