Storage And Canning Of Lemons

2024 Author: Jasmine Walkman | [email protected]. Last modified: 2023-12-16 08:29

Despite their acidity lemons spoil like any other fruit. Wrinkled, soft or hard spots and a dark color are signs that the lemon has begun to lose its flavor and juice. Prevent this by learning how to store lemons at the right temperature.

1. Storage of whole lemons

If you intend to use lemons within a few days of purchase, store them away from direct sunlight. They usually stay fresh for about a week at room temperature. After this point, they begin to wrinkle, lose their vibrant color and develop soft or hard spots.

Store the remaining lemons that you have not used, sealed in an envelope in the refrigerator. Put the lemons in zippered bags, expelling air from them (as much as you can). In this state, lemons can retain most of their juice and flavor for four weeks.

The ideal storage temperature for ripe (yellow) lemons is between 4˚C and 10˚C (39-50˚F). For most refrigerators, the middle shelves or door shelves are around this temperature.

2. Storage of sliced lemons

The cut side of the lemon should be covered. Reduce water loss and oxidation from air contact. Here are some ways to do this:

- Place the lemon halves on a plate, cut side down;

- Wrap the lemon pieces in cling film;

- If you have a small airtight container, put the lemon slices in it.

Freeze the lemons

Although they last longer than most other fruits, lemons are still usable within 2-3 days of cutting.

You can freeze slices of lemon for drinks. This is done by arranging them on baking paper without touching each other. They are frozen in this way and when they are ready, they are placed in an envelope with a zipper and put back in the freezer.

Freezing lemons (or any food) on a baking sheet prevents them from sticking to each other. Frozen slices are best added to cold drinks directly from the freezer while they are still firm.

3. Storage of juice and lemon peel

Chilled lemon juice (fresh) - despite its acidity, lemon juice can develop bacteria if kept at room temperature and spoils. After about 2-4 days in the refrigerator, the juice will also begin to lose its flavor. Discard it when it darkens or loses most of its flavor, usually after about 7-10 days. The juice is stored in dark bottles.

Store-bought bottled lemon juice usually contains preservatives that extend the shelf life to several months.

Freeze the remaining juice in ice cube trays. This is the easiest way to freeze excess juice. After freezing, transfer it to a sealed plastic bag in the freezer.

Store the lemon peel in an airtight container. Store in a cool, dry place. Freshly grated lemon peel is quite attractive to bacteria. Therefore, use lemon peel at most after 2-3 days.

You can freeze lemon peel like lemon juice.

There is a slightly outdated way to store lemon - namely in salt. This way it retains its fresh look. Here's how it works:

1. Peel the lemons and wash them. Do not wash with soaps and chemicals, but with a liquid consisting of vinegar and baking soda;

2. Cut lemons in the desired sizes;

3. In a jar alternate a row of salt, a row of lemons. You can use any type of salt you want, as long as there is no iodine in it. The use of iodine will discolor the fruit;

4. To be safe, you must store the jar in the refrigerator, where it can be stored and used for up to 1 year.

How to use these lemons?

This is probably the easiest part of it all. Take a piece of salt, rinse it and use it as a fresh lemon - it's that simple.