How to Store Lemon and Lime in Refrigerator

Lemons and limes are kitchen staples — always needed, but easy to forget until they've dried out or gone moldy. With the right storage method, you can keep them fresh and juicy for up to a month. Here's how to store lemon and lime in the refrigerator properly.

Room Temperature vs. Refrigerator: Which Is Better?

Whole lemons and limes can sit at room temperature for about 1 week before they start to dry out. In the refrigerator, they last 3–4 weeks. If you use citrus regularly, the fridge is almost always the better choice.

How to Store Whole Lemons and Limes in the Refrigerator

1. Store in an airtight container or zip bag — The biggest enemy of citrus in the fridge is moisture loss. Sealing them in an airtight container keeps the skin from drying out and the juice inside plump. The ComSaf Airtight Food Storage Containers work well for a batch of lemons or limes.
2. Or use a reusable bag — A SPLF Reusable Bag is a great low-bulk option — just squeeze out the air before sealing.
3. Place in the crisper drawer — The crisper drawer maintains higher humidity, which is ideal for citrus. Set to high humidity if your drawer has a control.

How to Store Cut Lemons and Limes

1. Wrap the cut surface tightly — Press plastic wrap directly against the cut flesh to prevent drying and oxidation.
2. Store in an airtight container — Place wrapped halves in a sealed container. They'll stay juicy for 3–5 days.
3. Or use a small container with a lid — The SOOPLEU Storage Container Set includes small containers perfect for lemon and lime halves.

How to Store Lemon and Lime Juice

Freshly squeezed juice should be stored in an airtight glass container. The ComSaf Glass Jars with Airtight Lids are ideal — glass doesn't absorb citrus odors and keeps the juice tasting fresh. Fresh lemon or lime juice lasts 2–3 days in the fridge, or up to 4 months frozen in ice cube trays.

How Long Do Lemons and Limes Last?

• Whole (room temperature): up to 1 week
• Whole (fridge, airtight): 3–4 weeks
• Cut halves (fridge, wrapped): 3–5 days
• Fresh juice (fridge): 2–3 days
• Zest (fridge): 1 week; frozen up to 6 months

Signs Lemons or Limes Have Gone Bad

• Soft, shriveled, or slimy skin
• White or green mold on the surface
• Completely dried out with no juice inside
• Off or fermented smell

Quick Tips Summary

• ✅ Store whole citrus in an airtight container or bag in the crisper drawer
• ✅ Wrap cut halves tightly and seal in a container
• ✅ Store fresh juice in glass jars for best flavor
• ✅ Freeze juice in ice cube trays for long-term use
• ❌ Don't store loose in the fridge — they dry out quickly
• ❌ Don't leave cut citrus uncovered