Why You Should Freeze Lemons After Purchase: A Surprising Kitchen Hack

Storing lemons in the freezer might seem unusual, but it’s an incredible kitchen trick that many people swear by. Discover why freezing lemons is beneficial and how it can change your culinary practices.

Why Freeze Lemons?

Lemons can spoil quickly, especially when stored close together. Freezing them prevents overripening and mold growth, ensuring you always have fresh lemons on hand. This method, likely originating from wise grandmothers, preserves the lemons’ rich vitamin content, particularly Vitamin C.

How to Freeze Lemons Effectively

It’s best to freeze lemons in slices or wedges rather than whole. For uses like making a tequila with salt, nicely cut wedges are perfect. Place the lemon pieces in a freezer bag, seal it tightly, and store it in the freezer. When you need them, simply take out the required amount and let them thaw for a few minutes in the sun or use the defrost function of your microwave.

Benefits of Eating Frozen Lemons

Eating lemons can be challenging due to their sourness, but they offer numerous health benefits. Many believe the heart of the lemon lies in its juice, but the outer part – the zest – is where the highest concentration of health benefits are found. The lemon peel contains significantly more nutrients than the juice, including antioxidants and limonoids.

When frozen, lemons’ taste alters, making them easier to consume. The acidity reduces slightly, only to be restored upon thawing. Cleaning and washing the lemons before freezing is recommended.

In many families, this practice is common, and the frozen zest tastes much better than the thawed.