Lemons are a staple in many households. They add a burst of citrus flavor to our dishes and are great for detoxifying our bodies. However, if we don’t store them properly, they can quickly spoil and go to waste.

Luckily, there are a few easy tricks to extend the shelf life of lemons and prevent them from molding. Let’s explore four methods to store lemons for a longer time without any waste.

1. Lemon Ice Cubes

One simple and effective method is the ice cube trick. Grate the zest of your lemons and squeeze out the juice. Pour the zest and juice into ice cube trays and place them in the freezer. Once frozen, remove the lemon ice cubes from the trays and store them in a silicone-insulated bag in the freezer. Whenever you need a burst of lemon flavor, just grab a cube and use it for any occasion.

2. Toothpick Method

Often, we only use half a lemon and store the other half in the fridge. However, leaving the unused half open causes it to lose freshness and nutrients. The smart move is to use toothpicks to bridge the two halves of the lemon. This creates a barrier that keeps the lemon fresh and ready to use for several days.

3. Lemons in Water

Another practical method to preserve whole lemons is to store them in water. Place the lemons in a container and add enough water to cover them. Seal the container and keep it in the refrigerator for at least 2 to 3 days. If you only need to store half a lemon, place the cut side down in a saucer filled with water to keep the flesh fresh.