The Best Way to Store Citrus, According to Chefs

Citrus is one of the hardest-working ingredients in my kitchen — I add lemon to weeknight salad dressings, juice oranges into seasonal cocktails, and squeeze lime wedges over takeout all year long. It’s also one of the easiest ingredients to waste, often drying out or growing mold before I get the chance to use the whole thing. As it turns out, it might come down to one simple, all-too-common mistake: leaving it on the countertop. 

I asked pro chefs how they store their citrus, and almost all of them recommended storage in a cool, dry environment like your fridge’s crisper drawer. Say goodbye to dried-out lemons and moldy limes: These are the clever products that experts rely on to keep lemons and limes at their best.

Chef-Approved Citrus Storage Solutions

• Lotus Reusable Mesh Produce Bags, $14, originally $25
• Coccot Glass Food Storage Containers, Set of 10, $35, originally $41
• Luigi Bormioli 2-Liter Lock-Eat Handy Jar, $20
• Purifyou Reusable Mesh Produce Bags, Set of 9, $18, originally $20
• Povinmos Glass Food Jars, Set of 3, $10

Lotus Reusable Mesh Produce Bags

“There’s a trifecta for storing citrus that keeps your fruits fresh and colorful longer: cooler temps, no humidity, and good airflow. I keep my satsumas and other fruits in a reusable mesh bag. This keeps the air flowing and prevents moisture buildup. Then, store them in your fruit crisper drawer in the fridge, and they’ll last a few weeks.” — Chris Borges, executive chef and co-owner, Charmant, New Orleans

Coccot Glass Food Storage Containers, Set of 10

“I must say that the best way to do it is by putting the lemons in a plastic bag, glass airtight containers, or vacuum-sealed containers, and keep them cold. T, and the best way to do thatit is by keeping them in the fridge. It can last you for weeks!” — Imene Senouci, chef and food blogger, Ambitious Foodie

Luigi Bormioli 2-Liter Lock-Eat Handy Jar

“[To preserve them,] pack lemons into a sterilized canning jar with a tight lid (one that fits the lemons snugly), push them down so they’re submerged in juice, seal the jar, and refrigerate. Salt-preserved lemons will keep for up to 6 months in the fridge when stored properly.” — Suzy Karadsheh, founder and CEO, The Mediterranean Dish

Purifyou Reusable Mesh Produce Bags, Set of 9

“I store whole citrus fruits in drawstring mesh produce bags in the crisper drawer of my refrigerator. The tiny holes let the fruit breathe, so they don’t develop those soft spots that happen when there’s no airflow.” — Marissa Stevens, founder and recipe developer, Pinch and Swirl

Povinmos Glass Food Jars, Set of 3

“It’s rare for me to use a whole lemon or lime at once, so I store the unused half in a small, lidded glass container with the cut-side down so it doesn’t dry out. Something like this works well (and doubles for making overnight oats).” — Marissa Stevens