The peel of a lemon packs cancer-fighting compounds and ten times more vitamins than the juice, yet it’s often tossed aside. Most people miss out on its incredible potential without realizing it.
Freezing lemons whole is a simple technique that unlocks every benefit this fruit has to offer. Here are seven reasons why this approach makes the most of your lemons, from enhancing flavor to preserving nutrients.
How to Freeze Lemons:
- Wash and dry lemons thoroughly
- Place whole lemons in freezer-safe bags
- Remove excess air and seal
- Store for up to four months
- Grate while frozen or thaw in cold water for 10 minutes when needed
1. Maximum Nutrient Preservation
The peel of a lemon contains 10 times more vitamins than its juice, and freezing preserves these nutrients. When you freeze the entire lemon, you lock in vital compounds, including vitamin C, antioxidants, and flavonoids that support immune health and overall wellness.
The freezing process breaks down the lemon’s cellular structure, making these nutrients more bioavailable when consumed.
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This means your body can better absorb the beneficial compounds found in both the peel and pulp.
2. Cancer-Fighting Properties
Lemons contain powerful compounds called limonoids, which have shown promising results in preventing and slowing cancer cell growth. These compounds work in three distinct ways: they prevent cancer development, slow existing cancer growth, and potentially kill cancer cells.
The frozen peel becomes especially valuable as it contains concentrated amounts of these beneficial compounds.
It delivers a potent dose of these cancer-fighting properties when grated and consumed.
3. Enhance Culinary Creativity
Freezing intensifies the lemon’s natural flavors, making the zest and juice more potent in your cooking. This preservation method allows you to add bright citrus notes to dishes year-round without worrying about your lemons going bad.
You can easily grate frozen lemons into pasta, salads, soups, or beverages for an instant flavor boost.
The frozen texture makes it simple to grate the entire lemon, including the nutrient-rich peel.
4. Eliminate Food Waste
Stop throwing away shriveled lemons! Freezing extends their life by up to four months. This method is particularly valuable when lemons are in season or on sale, allowing you to stock up without worry.
By utilizing the entire fruit, you’re saving money and reducing food waste. Every part of the lemon becomes usable, from the juice to the peel.
5. Simplify Food Prep
Having frozen lemons on hand means always ready to add citrus flavor to your cooking. Whether you need juice, zest, or slices, your frozen lemons are ready to use.
For maximum convenience, you can freeze lemons in various forms – whole, sliced, or juice cubes – depending on your typical usage.
6. Extended Shelf Life
While fresh lemons might last a few weeks in the refrigerator, frozen lemons maintain their quality for months. This extended preservation allows you to always have lemons for recipes or remedies.
Just note that thawed lemons will have a softer texture, making them perfect for juicing or grating, though less ideal for decorative garnishes
7. Easy Storage Solution
Storing lemons in the freezer is simple. Wash them thoroughly, dry them completely, and place them in a freezer-safe bag. For sliced lemons, freeze them on a parchment-lined tray first, then transfer them to a storage bag.
The process requires minimal effort but delivers maximum benefits.
Whether you choose to freeze them whole, sliced, or as juice, proper storage can keep your lemons fresh and ready to use for up to four months.
Source:
Nancy has been a plant person from an early age. That interest blossomed into a bachelor’s in biology from Elmira College and a master’s degree in horticulture and communications from the University of Kentucky. Nancy worked in plant taxonomy at the University of Florida and the L. H. Bailey Hortorium at Cornell University, and wrote and edited gardening books at Rodale Press in Emmaus, PA. Her interests are plant identification, gardening, hiking, and reading.