Have you ever reached for a lemon in a hurry and found only a hard, dried-out core instead of juice? You tried squeezing, twisting, kneading, but instead of rich juice, you only got a few drops? What can you do to keep lemons from drying out?
Lemons They are like a little secret in a yellow dress. If you store them correctly, they will reward you with an abundance of juice and a wonderful aroma. If you neglect them, they will turn into a hard, wrinkled shadow of their former selves.
It all starts where you put it..
Many people make the mistake of leaving them on the counter, in pretty bowls, where they are supposed to decorate the kitchen. But beauty comes at a price. At room temperature, lemons lose moisture and start to rot.
If you want them to last longer, you need to move them to a cooler environment. The refrigerator is not the enemy of lemons, but their ally. It is in the refrigerator that lemons retain that soft, juicy core that you need for lemonade, cakes, salad dressings or refreshing marinades.
How to properly store lemons?
Store lemons in a plastic bag or sealed container. This will create a microclimate that maintains their internal moisture and prevents the peel from starting to wrinkle. Make sure the lemons are dry before sealing them – moisture on the peel can encourage mold growth.
Proper refrigeration extends the freshness of lemons by three to four times. compared to conventional outdoor storage.
Trick: microwave oven
Although lemons stay fresh in the refrigerator, they can sometimes become tougher due to the cold temperatures. Before using them, you can use a simple trick to unlock their full potential. Place a whole lemon in the microwave and heat it for about 20 to 30 seconds on high.
The heat breaks down the cell walls that hold the juice. The result? Juice is released more easily and fasterYou will notice the difference from the first press – the juice will flow out at full force without squeezing.
Be careful not to leave the lemon in the microwave for too long. Excessive heating will destroy its delicate pulp and may even dry it out.
Tips for even longer freshness
For maximum effect, you can further protect the lemons by wrapping them in a paper towel before placing them in the container. This simple step regulates humidity and protects the fruit from sudden temperature fluctuations.
Also avoid storing lemons next to apples, bananas or avocados. These fruits emit ethylene gas, which causes lemons to age prematurely.
