Raw Food How To: Store Lemons and Limes (and Other Citrus)

Bright and beautiful, juicy and vibrant … lemons, limes, and other citrus are a fresh and delicious addition to any raw food dish. Having some always on hand can be really convenient and most of this fruit’s vitality and nutrition are easily maintained in just a couple of simple steps.

Dehydration is the enemy. Citrus rinds aren’t nearly as tough as they look and will lose moisture rapidly, turning into puckered and pruned versions of their former selves in as little as a week if stored uncovered at room temperature.

To store these gems in the best shape for the longest time possible, it’s important to keep them from drying out. Keeping them cool will help. As pretty as they look in a bowl on the counter, they belong in the refrigerator for them to stay at their best. Keep them wrapped to prevent moisture loss also helps.

Citrus can sometimes develop mold, so preventing moisture loss is critical, but their skins shouldn’t be left wet, either. We want the moisture in the skin and fruit, not on it. Wipe any surface moisture off before storing them. Wrapping citrus fruits in a paper towel can also help keep their rinds from becoming too wet from condensation, etc. Plastic wrap will help greatly to retain moisture in the skin and inside the fruit.

Easy Method

Lemons, limes, and other citrus fruits will stay plump and juicy for as long as four weeks if they are wrapped in a layer of paper towel, then wrapped in plastic, and stored in the refrigerator.

Here are some recipes using citrus you might enjoy!

Lemon Cherry Cheesecake

Lemon Poppy Seed Ice Cream with Strawberry Sauce

Thick and Creamy Avocado Lemon Tarragon Dressing

Lime Chipotle Avocados