Because they are more than just cheap and they are rich in vitamin C, lemons are favorite fruit of most people. However, they grow in specific locations, so they are treated differently than other fruits.
At the same time, they can be used for different applications and they last for different periods of time, depending in what purposes you use them. Sadly, you cannot see the expiration date on them, so you will have to use other techniques to determine for how long it can last.
The expiration date of fresh lemons
As aforementioned, you cannot see the expiration date on the lemons that are on shelves. However, you can see the date when they were picked. This is an important factor that should be taken into account, simply due to the fact it helps you determine for how long those lemons will last. Another fact you should know that lemons have strong skin, so they can last between 2 and 3 weeks, which is a long period of time. On the other side you can prolong that time by placing them into a refrigerator. In that case, they can last for 1-2 months, but only if they are kept all the time in a refrigerator.
The situation is completely different when it comes to cut lemons. They cannot last long. In fact, cut lemons must be used on the same day. If you use them tomorrow, you will get a bad juice, or drink or anything that contains them. Once again, you can prolong their use time if you place them in a refrigerator. In this case they can last for 3 days. Keep in mind that after that timer, they will look dry and you shouldn’t use them.
Lemons are rich in vitamin C, but you must know that this vitamin dissolves very quickly, so after some time, it will disappear completely. That’s why, most experts recommend that using lemons should be completed as soon as possible. In order to get all the benefits, you should use them while they are completely fresh, so using them the first day you have bought them is the best choice.
How long products from lemons can last?
Now you know how long lemons can last, but you must know that products made from lemons have different properties. Commercial lemon juices can last for a long time, due to the fact they contain preservatives. Some of them can last up to 2 years. On the other side, homemade juice can last for a shorter period of time, usually 2-3 days.
Fresh squeezed lemonade can last only 1 day, and it is the best thing you can do to drink it during that time. However, you can prolong the use time if you place it in a refrigerator. In that case, it can last for 1 week. Keep in mind that it should be placed back in a refrigerator as soon as possible in order to get the usage time of 1 week.
Processed lemonade can last for 2 weeks, but only if it is placed in a refrigerator. In addition, this applies to lemonades that are in bottles that can be re-opened. If you keep them in a living room, or in a warm place, these lemonades can last for a shorter period of time, usually 1-2 days. Don’t forget that homemade and fresh lemonades are the best choice, simply because they are rich in different nutrients and vitamins, so they are more delicious and they are perfect for drinking during warmer months.
Checking is a lemon good or bad
It is mandatory to check and to determine in order to see are those lemons good to use or they should be thrown away. This is done by a visual inspection. If lemons are soft and they have different colors, they should be thrown away. On the other side if they are hard and they are bright yellow, they are good to use.
Once they are spoiled, lemons will develop mold. At first, it will be white, but after it will be gray and dark. In this case, you must throw them away and buy new lemons. Keep in mind that bad lemons shouldn’t be used and they can cause certain issues with your health.
Storing lemons properly
In order to get the longest use time of the lemons, you must store them properly. In any case, you must store them in a refrigerator, in un-sealed container. Keeping them in a bag will trap moisture so the time for how long they can be used will be lower. In this case, they can last for 4 weeks. If you want to store sliced lemons, using the refrigerator is the best choice, but keep in mind that you will get 3 days tops, so after that, you must get fresh lemons.
An interesting fact is that if one lemon gets bad and you can see the mold, it will infect other lemons as well, so you will have to throw all of them away! This is useful advice that can help you prolong the life of your lemons.
If you live in a warm climate, make sure you keep lemons in a refrigerator. Keeping them on your table is a mistake and they can last for a shorter period of time. In addition, the vitamin C will dissolve, so their benefits won’t be at the highest level.
Summary
Fresh lemons can last between 1 and 2 weeks, on shelves, but if they are stored in a refrigerator, they can last for 4 weeks. In any case, no matter what type and in what form you store your lemons, it is mandatory to keep them in a refrigerator. By doing this, their life will be extended and all the benefits will stay present as well.
On the other side, old lemons or lemons that gone badly must be thrown away and don’t use them at any cost.
