All About Lemon
Your complete guide to lemon - discover how to store it properly, identify when it's gone bad, and find the best substitutes for your recipes.
How Long Does Lemon Last?
Storage times and freshness tips for lemon in different conditions.
Safety first: This guide provides general information. When in doubt, throw it out! Trust your senses and err on the side of caution. If something smells, looks, or tastes off, don't consume it.
Cut/Sliced in Refrigerator2-3 days
Signs of Spoilage
Drying out, browning or darkening of the exposed flesh, sliminess on the cut surface, off-smell, visible mold.
How to Check
• Visual: Look for dried-out edges, discolored (brown or dark) areas on the cut surface, or any mold.
• Touch: The cut surface should not be slimy or excessively soft.
• Smell: If it smells sour, fermented, or has any unpleasant odor, discard it.
Storage Tips
Wrap tightly in plastic wrap or store in an airtight container to minimize exposure to air, which causes drying and oxidation. The zest on cut lemons will lose its potency quickly.
Whole at Room Temperature1-2 weeks
Signs of Spoilage
Hardening, shriveling, dry texture, brown spots, visible mold (fuzzy white, green, or blue patches), excessively soft/mushy spots.
How to Check
• Visual: Look for dullness, shriveling, dark spots, or any fuzzy mold growth.
• Touch: Squeeze gently; it should feel firm and plump. If it's very hard, dry, or unusually soft/mushy, it's likely spoiled or past its prime.
Storage Tips
Best for short-term use. Store in a cool, dark place away from direct sunlight and heat, which can accelerate spoilage. Do not store in an airtight container at room temperature as this can promote mold growth.
Whole in Refrigerator3-4 weeks, up to 1 month
Signs of Spoilage
Visible mold (fuzzy white, green, or blue spots, especially around the stem or blemishes), excessively soft/mushy texture, slimy surface, significant dark discoloration, strong off-smell.
How to Check
• Visual: Check thoroughly for any mold growth or significant discoloration.
• Touch: It should still feel firm and plump. If it's very soft, squishy, or has a slimy film, it's likely spoiled.
• Smell: A fresh lemon has a bright, distinct citrusy aroma. If it smells musty, fermented, sour, or otherwise unpleasant, discard it.
Storage Tips
To extend freshness, store whole lemons in a sealed plastic bag or an airtight container in the crisper drawer of your refrigerator. This prevents them from drying out and absorbing odors from other foods.
Fresh Lemon Juice in Refrigerator3-4 days
Signs of Spoilage
Cloudiness, separation, off-smell (overly sour, fermented, yeasty, or alcoholic), visible mold or unusual growth.
How to Check
• Visual: Fresh juice is clear yellow. If it becomes cloudy, develops sediment, or shows any signs of mold, discard it.
• Smell: A fresh lemon juice has a tart, bright citrus scent. If it smells overly sour, alcoholic, or otherwise 'off,' it's spoiled. Do not taste.
Storage Tips
Store in a clean, airtight container or bottle. For longer storage, freezing is highly recommended.
Frozen (Whole, Slices, Juice, or Zest)6-9 months (for best quality), up to 1 year (safe indefinitely)
Signs of Spoilage
Freezer burn (dry, discolored patches), significant loss of aroma/flavor, off-smell (rare if properly stored).
How to Check
• Visual: Check for excessive ice crystals or dry, discolored patches, which indicate freezer burn and loss of quality.
• Smell: After thawing, if it has a noticeable off-smell, discard it. Taste test a small amount if unsure, but usually visual and smell are sufficient.
Storage Tips
Proper airtight packaging is crucial to prevent freezer burn and preserve flavor.
• Whole lemons: Freeze on a baking sheet, then transfer to a freezer bag. Thaw to use for juice/zest; texture will be mushy and not suitable for slicing.
• Slices/Wedges: Freeze on a baking sheet, then transfer to a freezer bag. Good for adding to drinks.
• Juice: Freeze in ice cube trays, then transfer cubes to a freezer bag.
• Zest: Store in a small airtight container or freezer bag.