Prevents Moisture Build-up: The paper towel absorbs excess moisture, which is one of the key factors that cause mold to develop on lemons. By keeping the moisture level in check, you prevent the growth of mold and extend the lemon’s freshness.
Maintains the Right Humidity: Storing lemons in a plastic bag or container helps to maintain the right balance of moisture in the environment. It prevents the lemons from drying out too quickly while also preventing them from becoming too moist and moldy.
Slows Down Ripening: The cold environment of the refrigerator slows down the ripening process, which means your lemons will stay fresh for weeks instead of days. The slower rate of ripening helps keep them at their peak freshness longer.
Protects from Ethylene Gas: When stored properly, lemons are less likely to interact with the ethylene gas emitted by other fruits, which can speed up the ripening process. This prevents your lemons from becoming overripe prematurely.
Additional Tips for Storing Lemons and Using Them Efficiently
In addition to the storage trick, here are a few extra tips to keep your lemons fresh and make the most of them:
Freeze Lemons for Long-Term Storage: If you have more lemons than you can use at once, you can freeze them to extend their shelf life even further. Freeze whole lemons, lemon slices, or lemon juice in ice cube trays for easy access when needed. Freezing lemons allows you to have them on hand for months, ensuring you never run out of this versatile fruit.
Use a Lemon Saver: If you only need part of a lemon, consider purchasing a lemon saver. This is a specialized container designed to keep lemon halves fresh for longer, minimizing waste and preserving flavor.
Use Lemons Quickly After Cutting: Once you’ve cut a lemon, it’s best to use it within a few days to avoid mold growth. Store any leftover lemon halves in the fridge, wrapped tightly in plastic wrap or in an airtight container.
Keep Lemons Dry: Avoid washing your lemons before storing them. Moisture can cause mold growth, so it’s best to only wash lemons right before using them.
Use Lemons for Cleaning: If you have lemons that are starting to get a little past their prime, don’t throw them away! They can be used for cleaning. Lemon juice is a natural disinfectant and deodorizer, making it great for cleaning surfaces, removing stains, and freshening up your garbage disposal.
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