Thursday, March 11, 2010

Lemon Tips

Lemons are a mainstay in my kitchen. For some reason ice water just isn't as good without a lemon slice! I buy the 2 pound bags, and have been wondering how long they last. I don't know about you, but that is something I always struggle with. How long do things last? What is the best way to store them?

Fruits and vegetables can be costly, and I like to stretch my dollars as far as I can. A 2 pound bag of lemons is only cheaper than a single lemon if I can make them last and actually use them.

Here are some tips and information on lemons:

1. Keeping lemons at room temperature should keep them fresh for about 2 weeks.

2. Store lemons in the refrigerator in a plastic bag. They should stay fresh for up to 6 weeks this way. I was amazed by this. I often store them in the fridge, but never in a bag.

3. Once a lemon is cut it should be used in 2-3 days.

4. Freeze the juice. Squeeze the lemon juice into ice cube trays and freeze for future use.

5. A medium lemon yields about 1 tablespoon of lemon zest.

6. Whole lemons can be frozen "as is" in plastic bags; they will be mushy when thawed, but will still have juice. I have never tried this, but I think I will!

7. A medium lemon yields about 2 tablespoons of lemon juice.

8. Juicy lemons: to get the most juice out of a lemon put it in the microwave for a few seconds or roll on the counter.

9. Lemon juice tossed with fresh fruit, especially apples, prevents discoloration.

10. The lemon originated in Asia! If you already knew about the other 9 tips, I am thinking this one may be a surprise to you. I would have never guessed this!


Photo Credit: www.therawdivas.com
This post is linked to: Frugal Friday's at www.lifeasmom.com










4 comments:

Anonymous said...

I love lemon, lemon zest - it wakes up so many dishes!

Thanks for the tips!

Niki Jolene said...

Great tips! I had never heard of most of them!

Mom2fur said...

I never knew that lemons last longer in a plastic bag--I'll have to remember that!

Jennifer said...

I love lemons! I squeeze a half a lemon into my water every night. I crave it all day too.

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