All About Lemons
Your complete guide to lemons - discover how to store it properly, identify when it's gone bad, and find the best substitutes for your recipes.
How Long Does Lemons Last?
Storage times and freshness tips for lemons 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.
Whole in Refrigerator3-4 weeks, up to 1 month
Signs of Spoilage
Similar to room temperature but slower to develop: significant shriveling (due to moisture loss), hardening, dark spots, mold growth, or a very soft, squishy texture.
How to Check
Visually check for mold, extensive shriveling, or large discolored areas. Feel for firmness – it should still be firm and heavy for its size. An overly soft or squishy lemon, or one with a musty/fermented smell, is spoiled. A slight loss of fresh aroma is normal, but any off-smell is a warning sign.
Storage Tips
Store whole lemons in a sealed plastic bag (like a Ziploc) or an airtight container in the crisper drawer. This prevents moisture loss, which is the primary cause of shriveling and hardening, significantly extending their shelf life. Do not wash lemons until just before use, as moisture can promote mold growth.
Cut in Refrigerator2-4 days
Signs of Spoilage
Drying out around the cut edges, browning or dullness on the cut surface, slimy texture, visible mold, or a sour/fermented smell.
How to Check
Visually inspect the cut surface for discoloration (browning, dullness) or mold. Touch the cut surface – it should not be slimy or excessively dry/hard. Smell for a fresh citrus aroma; any sour, fermented, or off-smell means it's spoiled.
Storage Tips
Tightly cover cut lemon pieces with plastic wrap or store them in an airtight container to minimize exposure to air and prevent drying out. The exposed flesh is more susceptible to bacterial growth and spoilage.
Frozen (Juice, Zest, Slices)3-6 months for best quality (safe indefinitely)
Signs of Spoilage
For juice/zest: significant freezer burn (dry, discolored spots), loss of vibrant color, or a noticeably diminished aroma after thawing. For slices: dry, leathery texture, excessive ice crystals (beyond normal frost), or freezer burn.
How to Check
Visually check for excessive freezer burn or discoloration. While safe, significant freezer burn indicates a loss of quality. For juice/zest, thaw a small amount and check the aroma and taste – it should still have a bright citrus profile, though less intense than fresh. If thawed and smells off (musty, fermented), discard.
Storage Tips
Lemon juice can be frozen in ice cube trays, then transferred to a freezer-safe bag or container. Zest can be frozen in small airtight containers or freezer bags. Lemon slices can be arranged on a baking sheet to freeze individually before transferring to a freezer bag. Label all frozen items with the date. Freezing alters the texture of the fruit, so frozen slices are best used in beverages or cooking rather than as a fresh garnish. While safe indefinitely, quality degrades over time.
Whole at Room Temperature1-2 weeks
Signs of Spoilage
Soft spots, shriveling, dull or discolored skin, brown patches, mold growth (white, green, blue fuzzy patches), sticky or slimy texture.
How to Check
Visually inspect for mold or excessive discoloration. Gently squeeze – if it feels unusually soft, squishy, or hollow, it's likely going bad. A fresh lemon has a bright, distinct citrus aroma; an off, musty, or fermented smell indicates spoilage.
Storage Tips
Keep away from direct sunlight and heat, which can accelerate ripening and spoilage. Best for short-term storage and immediate use.