How to freeze lemons so they stay fresh and flavorful

So you’ll always have fresh citrus on hand when you need it.

Key Takeaways

• Freeze lemons whole, sliced, juiced, or zested to prevent waste and keep them ready for recipes.
• Use frozen lemons in drinks, baked goods, dressings, or cooking for fresh citrus flavor anytime.
• Freezing lemons ensures you always have bright, fresh citrus on hand for cooking and drinks.

We’ve all felt the urge to decorate our kitchens with a vibrant bowl of lemons (haven’t we?), but having a bounty of citrus on hand may lead to the question: Is there a way to preserve them long-term? Freezing lemons is an easy way to ensure you always have bright, fresh citrus on hand for cooking, baking, cocktails, lemonade, and more. The best part? Lemons can be frozen whole, sliced, juiced, or zested, making it easy to prevent waste and always have the perfect portion ready to go for your recipes.

In this guide, we’ll cover the best ways to freeze lemons, along with storage tips, thawing advice, and creative ways to use your thawed citrus after freezing.

Ways To Use Frozen Lemons

Freezing lemons is especially useful when you can get creative about how to use them up. Here are some ways you can put your thawed citrus to good use:

• Lemon juice: Add to cocktails, lemonade, salad dressings, sauces, or soups.
• Zest: To add a bright, zesty flavor into baked goods, desserts, marinades, or sauces.
• Lemon slices: Add to water, tea, or cocktails.
• Whole lemons: Best when juiced or used in cooking, since the texture of the lemons will soften slightly after thawing.

How To Freeze Whole Lemons

To freeze lemons whole:

1. Wash and dry the lemons thoroughly.
2. Transfer to a freezer-safe bag or airtight container, squeezing out excess air if applicable.
3. Freeze for up to 3 to 4 months.

How To Freeze Cut Lemons

Freezing lemon slices or wedges makes them easy to grab for drinks or recipes whenever you need them. To freeze:

1. Space out slices or wedges on a lined baking sheet and freeze until solid.
2. Transfer firm pieces to a freezer-safe zip-top bag or airtight container.
3. Freeze for up to 3 to 4 months.

How To Freeze Lemon Juice

Whether you plan to freeze a large amount for a future batch of lemonade or small portions for incorporating into your dishes, it’s easy to freeze lemon juice long-term. To freeze lemon juice:

1. Transfer juice to an ice cube tray or freezer-safe container.
2. If using an ice cube tray, freeze until firm, then transfer cubes to a freezer-safe zip-top bag or airtight container.
3. Freeze for up to 3 months.

How To Freeze Lemon Zest

Before you use lemons for baking or juicing, zesting them first is an easy way to preserve that bright, zesty flavor to add into other recipes. Once you zest, here’s how to freeze:

1. Spread the zest onto a lined baking sheet, or place into an ice cube tray (either plain or by topping with olive oil or water) and freeze until solid.
2. Transfer to a freezer-safe zip-top bag or airtight container and store for up to 3 months.

The Best Way To Thaw Frozen Lemons

When you’re ready to use frozen lemons or lemon slices in your recipes, you’ll want to thaw them properly. Let whole lemons, wedges, or slices thaw at room temperature until softened, or microwave whole lemons in short intervals if you plan to juice them.

Small amounts of lemon zest or juice can often be used straight from the freezer, especially when dropping straight into cooked dishes or batters. Thaw large quantities of juice in the refrigerator before using.

Can You Refreeze Lemons?

Refreezing lemons after thawing isn’t typically recommended. The texture and flavor of the lemons (already affected by the first freezing and thawing) is affected even more by refreezing. Instead, freeze juice, zest, and cut lemons in small portions so you only have to thaw what you need.

Have an extra lemon left over with no way to use it? Try out some of our favorite cleaning hacks.

Read the original article on Southern Living