Why Storing Citrus On The Kitchen Counter Is A Mistake

Cool temperature keeps citrus fresh for longer

You can employ every strategy available to select the finest supermarket lemons, limes, and oranges, but it can still be challenging to determine their quality until you cut into them. If you've ever encountered a disappointing, dried-out citrus slice, you understand that the fruit may be past its peak. To prevent this, prolong the freshness of citrus fruits by storing them in the refrigerator. This helps maintain moisture levels, keeping the fruits juicy and tender for a longer period.

Oranges, lemons, limes, and other citrus fruits can be stored together without affecting their ripeness or flavor. However, it's important to give them some space, avoid overcrowding, ensure good air circulation, and remove them from the plastic bags they came in.

Watch for any soft or moldy spots on the skin, unusual tastes or odors, or a dried-out texture—these are all indicators that it’s time to discard the citrus. If you have a bowl of citrus that has been sitting at room temperature, either plan to consume them quickly or transform them into freshly squeezed juices or baked goods like homemade lemon shortbread cookies to make the most of them while they’re still good.