Not all consumers know that the way they store lemons can determine if they will find a summary or dry fruit inside. Small errors in everyday life are the source of waste and frustration.
Few foods generate as much frustration when they are not at the point like lemon. Who has never caught a seemingly healthy lemon just to find out that, inside, it was dry, hard and without juice?
The Common Error: Leave the lemons at room temperature
According to it, although it seems a smaller detail, the way your lemons stores all the difference. And make a mistake who thinks that just leave them in sight, in a beautiful cup on the counter.
This practice, common in many houses, ends up dramatically reduced the durability of the fruit. At room temperature, lemons lose moisture and end up wrinkling and rotting faster than thinking.
The fridge is your ally
Leaving lemons at room temperature may seem practical, but it has a cost. Over time, the shell begins to harden and the interior loses juiciness.
The fridge, contrary to what some imagine, is the best ally in the preservation of lemon. Storage correctly, these fruits remain fresh, summarious and with all the aroma.
How to store the lemons correctly
To ensure this prolonged freshness, the ideal is to put the lemons in a plastic bag or a hermetic container. This controlled environment preserves natural moisture and prevents the shell from starting to dry.
Before keeping, make sure they are completely dry. Any trace of water in the shell may favor the appearance of mold.
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The impact of refrigeration on durability
According to the same source, following this method, it is possible to triple or even quadruple the conservation time of lemons, compared to traditional storage at room temperature.
How to avoid hard and without juice
Still, even when preserved in the cold, some lemons may harden slightly. There is, however, a simple way to solve this problem.
Just put the lemon in the microwave for 20 to 30 seconds at the maximum power. This trick helps to free the juice easier and faster.
Beware of excessive heating
Light heating breaks the internal fibers of the fruit, facilitating the extraction of the juice. A simple process that can make all the difference in your recipes.
However, it is important not to overdo it. If you warm the lemon too much, you risk damaging the pulp and accelerating the dryness.
Additional tips for prolonged freshness
Another useful tip is to wrap the lemons on kitchen paper before putting them in the container. This additional layer helps keep moisture balanced.
Avoid putting on certain fruits
Also avoid storing the lemons next to apples, bananas or avocados. These fruits release ethylene, a gas that accelerates the maturity and premature aging of lemons.
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