Lemons are great for adding flavor to your water and tea, but did you know they can also help keep your skin looking fresh and bright? They’re also full of vitamin C, which is good for boosting the immune system.
As with most fruits and veggies, we tend to buy more than we actually use in the kitchen. It’s frustrating when they go bad before we can use them all up! So, how to tell if lemon is bad? Many people are unsure of when to throw out lemons.
🤔 How to tell if lemon is bad? The best way to tell if lemon is bad is by checking the skin of the fruit. If there are any dark spots on the skin or discoloration, then that means that it’s spoiled. You’ll also want to check for softness, as well as moldy or rotten smells coming from inside the rind itself.
Any signs of these things mean that it’s time to toss out your lemon and get another one!
Table of Contents
How to Tell if Lemon Is Bad?
1. Smell
Perhaps the most obvious way to tell if lemon is bad is by its smell. A fresh lemon should have a pleasant, citrusy smell. If you smell anything off about your lemon, then it’s probably not good to eat.
The smell of moldy lemons is very distinct and noticeable. If your lemon smells like this you definitely should throw it out.
2. You Can’t Squeeze It
This is a pretty obvious one, but if you can’t easily squeeze your lemon because it’s too hard or stiff, then there’s a good chance that it has gone bad.
3. Discoloration
Another indication of spoilage is discoloration on the skin of the lemon. If you start seeing any dark spots or blotches on the skin, it means that it’s definitely time to throw out your lemon.
4. Softness
You can also tell a lot about fruit by how soft or firm it is. If you find that your lemon is going from being stiff and hard to squishy and wrinkly, then this could be a sign of spoilage as well!
5. Change in Flavor
A sudden change in flavor is another sign that something might be wrong with the lemon. It’s normal to expect some changes, but if it suddenly becomes incredibly sour or bitter, then you should probably check for any of the other signs of spoilage on this list. If they’re there, it’s time to get rid of your lemon!
6. Texture
Lemons are known for having a slightly grainy texture, so if you find that it is now mushy or slippery instead of grainy, then you might have to toss it out.
7. Mold/Mildew
You should also be checking for any mold or mildew on your lemon. Even just a small amount can be a sign that there’s something wrong with it. If this is the case, you have to throw it out immediately.
These are all good tips for telling when your lemon has gone bad.
How Long Lemons Can Last Before They Go Bad?
Lemons generally have a pretty long shelf life. Still, they do go bad after a while, so you’ll want to keep an eye on them and use them as quickly as possible.
Fresh lemons bought from the store can last anywhere between three to four weeks at room temperature and seven to eight weeks in the refrigerator.
Cut lemons can last as short as one to two days if stored in the refrigerator! Lemon juice can last in the refrigerator for up to five days.
How To Store Lemons?
Here’s a list of things that can help extend the life of your lemons:
- Storage Location – Keep your lemons in a cool, dark place that isn’t too moist. A counter is often a good option for this if it’s not in direct sunlight.
- Storage Container – Be sure to store your lemons in something that is airtight, like a zip-lock bag or another container with a lid.
- Chilling – If at all possible, try chilling your lemons before use. They will last even longer this way!
- Freezing – You can also freeze your lemon if you don’t want to keep it on the counter for too long. Be sure to thaw it out in the fridge when you’re ready to use it, though!
- Ice Cubes – One more great way to store your lemon is by using ice cube trays. This will help you easily add a little bit of lemon juice in recipes without having to use the whole lemon!
Final Words
With this guide at your fingertips, there will never again be any uncertainty about what’s going on with that old lemon in the back of your fridge. Happy lemony days ahead!
