How to Freeze Lemons

This freezer tip is so easy and you will wonder why you didn’t start doing this sooner!  These simple instructions will show you how to freeze whole lemons, lemon zest and lemon slices.

If you are like us, you like slices of lemons, limes or oranges in your water. You can actually freeze them ahead of time. Now, you won’t waste an entire lemon when you just need a slice. Save money and stock up on lemons, limes and oranges when you they go on sale. Use these lemons in this Easy Lemon Water Recipe.

Why Freeze Lemons

It is so handy having lemons in the freezer. Frozen lemon slices are so convenient. You can freeze lemon wedges or slices or even the entire fruit in a plastic bag.

No worries about this versatile citrus fruits going bad because you can just freeze it! Save time and money and freeze your citrus fruit.

How to Freeze Whole Lemons

Step 1 – Wash the whole lemons or any whole citrus fruit. Place the whole lemons in a 2-in-1 gallon bag, remove as much air as possible from the freezer bag and freeze.  

Step 2 – When ready to use, defrost the lemon out completely at room temperature before using them. The defrosted lemon will likely be mushy but the lemon juice will be delicious!

How to Freeze Lemon Slices or Wedges

• Step 1 – Cut lemons into slices or wedges and place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. You can even freeze the lemon peel.
• Step 2 – Place the entire baking sheet in the freezer and freeze for at least 1 hour. 

Step 3 – Remove the pan from the freezer and place the frozen lemon pieces in a food-safe freezer safe plastic bag, remove as much air as possible and freeze. You can also place on a freezer-safe parchment-lined tray. This makes sure the lemons does not lose the moisture.

Step 4 – Defrost the lemon slices out completely at room temperature when ready to use.

How to Freeze Lemon Juice

Step 1 – Juice the lemons and pour the juice into ice cube trays or muffin tins. This is 1 to 2 tablespoons of lemon juice per cube.

Step 2 – Place the ice cube trays in the freezer for at least 1 hour. 

• Step 3 – Carefully remove the frozen cubes from the ice cube tray.  Place the frozen cubes in a freezer bag and freeze. 
• Step 4 – When ready to use, let the ice cube pieces defrost out completely in a bowl at room temperature and it’s ready to enjoy!

How to Freeze Lemon Zest

Step 1 – Wash Lemons then grate the lemon skin with a zester or small grater. Wrap the zested lemon with plastic wrap and aluminum foil and place in a freezer bag. Make sure not to grate any of the bitter white pith.

Step 2 – Place the lemon zest in a zipper freezer bag, seal and freeze for up to 3-4 months. Make sure to squeeze out extra air.

• Step 3 – When ready to use, defrost the zest out completely at room temperature and then it’s ready to use in your favorite recipes.

Expert Tips

• Cleaning – We also love to use leftover lemon rinds to freshen up our garbage disposal. Lemons also makes the best non toxic cleaner.
• Maximum Freshness – While storing the fresh lemons in the fridge or the freeze, make sure to store with as little air as possible.

How Long Do Lemons Last

Storing lemons is a wonderful way to enjoy fresh lemons for many days. Whole Lemons stored in the fridge will last for about 2-3 weeks. If you cut the lemons the will last about 4 days.

We recommend storing the lemons in the crisper in your fridge to keep them fresh. You can leave the lemons on your counter, but the lemons will not last as long.

How to Use Fresh Lemons

Lemons adds the best fresh citrus flavor to your favorite tea, bottled juice, lemonade, variety of dishes and baking goods. I love freezing the lemons to use in these easy recipes to add a spritz of lemon juice for a refreshing drink.

• Copycat Chick-fil-a lemonade
• Pineapple Lemonade Slushie Recipe
• 30 Homemade Lemonade Recipes to Quench your Thirst
• Homemade Watermelon Lemonade- Only 3 Ingredients!
• Copycat Starbucks Passion Tea Lemonade Recipe