How to Freeze Lemons

Freezing lemons is an excellent way to ensure you have a steady supply of this vitamin-packed fruit all year round. If you’re lucky enough to have your own lemon tree or you find a great deal at your local market, don’t let those zesty gems go to waste.

Instead, read on to discover how to freeze lemons, what to do with them afterward, and why this method of preservation is a must-try.

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Benefits of Freezing Lemons

Nutrient Retention

When lemons are frozen, they retain most of their nutritional content. Lemons are rich in vitamin C and other antioxidants, which are beneficial for boosting your immune system and maintaining good health.

Year-Round Availability

By freezing lemons, you’re ensuring that you have a supply of these versatile fruits at any time of the year, even when they’re out of season.

Reduce Waste

Freezing lemons can help reduce food waste. Instead of throwing away those extra lemons, you can’t use right away, freeze them for later use.

How to Freeze Lemons

Below are two of the most common and easy ways to freeze lemons. Before starting, ensure that your lemons are ripe, and be sure to wash your lemons thoroughly to remove any dirt or pesticides.

Freezing Whole Lemons

1. Prepare the Lemons: After washing your lemons, dry them and place them in a freezer bag. Make sure to remove as much air as possible from the bag before sealing it.
2. Freeze: Place the bag in the freezer. The lemons should be good for up to 12 months.

Freezing Lemon Slices or Wedges

1. Prepare the Lemons: After washing, slice the lemons or cut them into wedges.
2. Flash Freeze: Lay them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, making sure they are not touching, and flash freeze for about 2-3 hours.
3. Pack and Freeze: Once they are frozen, transfer them into a freezer bag and remove as much air as possible before sealing the bag. Then place it back into the freezer.

In case you’re unsure about the best ways to slice or wedge your lemons before freezing, we’ve got you covered. Have a look at our helpful guide on how to cut lemons to ensure you’re making the most out of this zesty fruit.

Freezing Method	Preparation	Freezing Time
Whole Lemons	Clean, dry, bag	Up to 12 months
Lemon Slices/Wedges	Clean, slice/wedge, flash freeze, bag	Up to 12 months

Uses For Frozen Lemons

• For Drinks: A frozen lemon slice or wedge makes an excellent, flavourful ice cube substitute for your summer drinks or hot tea.
• For Cooking: Grate the peel of a whole frozen lemon to add zest to your dishes or defrost and juice as required.
• In Baking: Frozen lemon wedges or slices can be quickly defrosted and used in any recipe that calls for fresh lemons.

Try this refreshing frozen lemon dessert to cool off in the summer heat.

Tips for Freezing Lemons

Here are a few tips to make your lemon freezing process even easier:

• Choose high-quality lemons. The better the quality of your lemons, the better they will taste after being frozen and defrosted.
• Label your freezer bags with the date. That way, you can keep track of how long they have been in the freezer.
• Use freezer-safe bags to prevent freezer burn and keep your lemons tasting fresh.

If you’re interested in other methods of preserving lemons, make sure to check out our comprehensive guide on how to store lemons for longer shelf life, both at room temperature and in the refrigerator.

Conclusion

So, there you have it. Freezing lemons is a simple, effective way to have fresh-tasting lemons available all year round.

Not only is it a fantastic way to reduce food waste, but it also provides a handy solution when life, or indeed a bountiful lemon tree, gives you more lemons than you can handle at once.

Whether you’re freezing whole lemons or delicious slices, your summer drinks, cooking, and baking endeavors are set to get a whole lot zestier.