Lemons are fantastic to have in a summer kitchen for salad dressing, pasta sauces, or even to make drinks more refreshing, but it can be frustrating when they spoil before their time. Most people just leave lemons in their fruit bowl, but it can be one of the worst places to store them, as the warm temperature at this time of year will cause them to dry out quickly. 

This causes lemons to become shrivelled and leathery within just a few days and reduces their juice content, making them far less useful in the kitchen. However, Lama, a cook and founder of TasteGreatFoodie, has shared that lemons should stay fresh for months if you store them properly in the fridge.

Lama said: “I store my fresh lemons and limes in a bowl submerged in water in my fridge! It’s the perfect way to store lemons because it ensures they stay wrinkle-free and fresh.

“They can last up to three months stored in this ideal way in your fridge. This duration is much longer than other lemon and lime storage hacks!”

Soaking lemons in water is simple, but it helps maintain moisture inside the fruit so it does not die out and stays fresh and full of flavour for much longer. 

Water will also act as a natural protective barrier for the lemons, keeping the temperature around them steady and preventing them from spoiling quickly. 

This food storage method works well for lemons, but it can also be used to keep limes and other citrus fruits fresh. 

How to keep lemons fresh for months 

First, wash the lemons to remove any bacteria and dirt on their skin, which can cause them to go mouldy. 

Simply run each lemon under a tap of cold water and give it a scrub. If you wish, you can also soak them in a bowl filled with water and white vinegar, which is very acidic and known to kill mould spores. 

Then, place the lemons in a mason jar or any container with a lid. Fill the jar up with water so the fruit is submerged, and then place it in the fridge. 

If you change the water every week, your lemons should stay zesty and sweet for months instead of rotting away within a few days.