The best ways to keep lemons fresher for longer

Lemons are an integral part of the cuisine in many parts of the world: in sweet and savory preparations, in fact, the juice or zest of a lemon can give a dish a special taste, and an even more inimitable aroma. Not to mention its use in a lot of drinks - starting from tea and moving to alcoholic beverages.

It is common, therefore, that we have one or two lemons laying around in our kitchens. But what can we do when we don't use them immediately and want to preserve them? Read on to find out how best to store your lemons:

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When the lemons are still whole:

• It is preferable to keep whole lemons in the refrigerator: the temperature and humidity of the fridge stops them from drying out (which happens when we keep them in fruit bowls for too long). The best place for them is in the coldest drawer in the fridge (usually the bottom one), and it is also advisable to place them in airtight plastic bags or inside containers with hermetically sealing lids. Stored this way, they can last for a month in excellent condition.
• Alternatively, you can freeze them: again, it is best if they are kept in airtight containers. They can be thawed out at room temperature. They will lose a little of their body, but they will still be excellent for squeezing or grating.

On the other hand, if the lemons have already been cut up, not only must they be kept in the fridge, but steps must be taken to stop the pulp from drying out. To this end, do the following:

• Half a lemon can be covered with transparent film (cling film) so that the pulp is not exposed to the air. Alternatively, place the half lemon in an airtight container with the cut side facing down and add a little water. Notwithstanding this,  the lemon should be consumed in a few days.
• Slices and pieces of lemons, on the other hand, should be kept in airtight containers, for a maximum of one week.
• Lemon juice: you can keep the juice in a glass - always best if covered - for a few days. The longer you wait, however, the less suitable it will be for uses other than cooking.

Which method do you prefer?