5 Signs a Lemon Has Gone Bad + Best Storage Tips

Like all fruits, lemons can rot and go bad with time. If you’ve had some store-bought or home-grown lemons for a while and aren’t sure if they’re still good to use, we’re here to help. We’ll go over the obvious signs that a lemon is bad and explain how to store lemons and lemon juice to keep this fruit fresh for a long time. Read on to learn more!

How do you know if a lemon is bad?

Chef Jeff Woodward says that when lemons start to go bad and rot, they usually develop brown, mushy spots. They might get very hard and shriveled-looking, or grow super soft and slimy. The flesh inside is typically dry and rubbery. Bad lemons can also grow mold and start to smell bitter or sour.

Section 1 of 8:

Signs a Lemon is Bad

Download Article

1
Mushy, discolored spots When a lemon starts to rot, it usually develops discolored patches, dents, and blemishes on the rind. The spots feel squishy or spongy when you press them and are usually dark yellow, brown, or even black.^{[1]
X
Research source}
- If you notice signs that your lemon is bad, it’s best to compost it or throw it away. We explain why in our FAQ section below.
Spots of green, white, or black fuzzy mold on the outside of the lemon are sure signs it’s gone bad. If you cut the lemon, you might notice mold growing on the inside, too.^{[2]
X
Research source}

Advertisement
3
Hard, shriveled texture or soft and slimy texture As a lemon starts to dry out and go bad, it often hardens like a rock and the rind gets wrinkled and bumpy. The lemon can also start to feel mushy as it rots and develop a slimy film. Either way, it no longer feels plump and slightly firm when you press it.^{[3]
X
Research source}
- Whether they’re very hard or soft, bad lemons usually feel lighter than fresh, ripe ones.
4
Dry, rubbery flesh The inside of a bad lemon is usually dry and shriveled-looking. As the lemon rots, the flesh peels away from the rind and looks pale or discolored. The flesh is no longer juicy and firm, and instead feels rubbery or gummy.
- You might also notice brown spots on the flesh, too. This is another sign the lemon is bad.
When a lemon starts to go bad, it develops an unpleasant odor that can smell sour, rancid, or ammonia-like. It will no longer have the fresh, crisp, and citrusy scent of a fresh lemon.^{[4]
X
Research source}

Section 2 of 8:

Can juice inside a lemon go bad?

Download Article

If a lemon looks, feels, or smells rotten, the juice inside is bad, too. When a lemon starts to spoil, every part rots—including the juice, flesh, zest, and rind. So, throw out the lemon instead of trying to squeeze out the juice.

Section 3 of 8:

What to Do with Overripe Lemons

Download Article

Use squishy, overripe lemons to clean your home. If your lemons are overripe but not actively rotting or molding, they’re perfectly fine to use around your home instead of eating. Lemon juice is acidic, which gives it anti-bacterial properties, so it’s a great, natural way to clean around the house.^{[5]
X
Research source} For instance, use your overripe lemons to:^{[6]
X
Trustworthy Source

Consumer Reports
Nonprofit organization dedicated to consumer advocacy and product testing

Go to source}
- Wipe down countertops
- Clean your cutting boards
- Clean and freshen your garbage disposal
- Deodorize your microwave
- Make a window cleaner or all-purpose cleaner
- Remove limescale and mineral buildup in appliances

Section 4 of 8:

Signs a Lemon is Ripe

Download Article

Ripe lemons are firm, heavy, and have bright, shiny skin. Whether you’re buying lemons from the store or harvesting them from your lemon tree, choose a fruit that is firm and has a slight give when you squeeze it. Make sure it feels heavy, too, which means it’s full of juice. Ensure there are no discolored spots or signs of damage, either. A ripe lemon is a bright, solid yellow and has shiny, smooth skin.^{[7]
X
Research source}
- Select a lemon that has a thinner rind, too. This usually means that it’s super juicy.
- The lemon should feel firm and plump, not rock hard or soft and mushy. These are signs that the lemon is overripe and going bad.
- Solid green or green-tinged lemons mean the fruit is unripe. Lemons don’t ripen once they’re picked from the tree, so avoid buying or harvesting them if they’re not solid yellow.

Section 5 of 8:

How to Store Whole Lemons

Download Article

1
Keep lemons in the fridge for up to 1 month. The best way to preserve lemons is to stick them in the fridge. Simply place the fruits in an airtight plastic bag or storage container and set them in your fridge’s crisper or produce drawer. They usually keep well for 1 month, but can last up to 6 weeks.^{[8]
X
Research source}
- Feel free to keep the lemons loose in the produce drawer, if you prefer. Placing them in an airtight bag helps to seal in moisture so they don’t dry out as quickly, but it typically only keeps them fresher for a few more days.^{[9]
  X
  Research source}
- Keep the lemons away from fruits that ripen, like pears, peaches, and avocados, if possible.^{[10]
  X
  Research source} These fruits produce ethylene gas as they ripen, which can cause your lemons to spoil faster.
- Thinking about storing your lemons in water? While this viral hack claims to keep lemons fresh for longer, there’s actually not much evidence that it does. In fact, it can potentially cause bacteria and mold to grow faster.^{[11]
  X
  Research source}
2
Store lemons on the counter at room temperature for up to 1 week. It’s perfectly fine to keep lemons at room temperature, if you prefer. Simply leave them on your counter or in a fruit bowl and keep them in a cool, dry spot. Just know that room-temperature lemons usually only last for 1 to 2 weeks before they start to dry out and spoil.^{[12]
X
Research source}
- Keep the lemons uncovered—don’t place them in a plastic bag or container. This can trap humidity and cause them to spoil faster.
- Like in the fridge, keep lemons away from fruits that produce ethylene gas, like bananas and avocados, so they don’t spoil quickly.
3
Freeze whole lemons for up to 4 months. Freezing lemons is a great way to extend their lifespan if you don’t think you’ll use them in time. Simply wash the lemons with cool water and dry them off with a clean towel. Then, place them in a freezer-safe storage bag or container. Write the date on the container and stick the lemons in your freezer.^{[13]
X
Research source}
- Note: Lemons can develop a mushy texture when frozen. While the juice and zest stay fresh, you might not want to use them as a garnish.
- When you’re ready to use your lemons, thaw them in a bowl of warm water for 15 to 20 minutes. Or, stick them in the microwave in 15-second increments.^{[14]
  X
  Research source}

Section 6 of 8:

How to Store Cut Lemons

Download Article

1
Store lemon halves and slices in the fridge for 5 to 7 days. Wrap the lemon half or slices in plastic wrap, or place them in an airtight bag or container. Then, place them in your refrigerator’s crisper or produce drawer. Just use them within 5 to 7 days—cut lemons tend to dry out and spoil after 1 week.^{[15]
X
Research source}
- If possible, keep the lemons away from other fruits, like pears and avocados, so they don’t go bad more quickly.
2
Freeze lemon slices for up to 4 months. If you have a cut lemon that you don’t plan on using within 1 week, cut the remaining lemon into thin slices. Place the slices on a lined baking sheet and set it in the freezer for 1 to 2 hours. Once they’re frozen, place the lemon slices in a freezer bag or container.^{[16]
X
Research source}
- Write the date on the bag or container so you know when you froze the lemons.
- Frozen lemon slices typically hold up better than frozen whole lemons. So, they’re great to use in dishes or as garnishes.
- To thaw the frozen slices, place them in the fridge for a few hours or zap them in the microwave for 10 to 15 seconds.

Section 7 of 8:

How to Store Lemon Juice

Download Article

1
Keep fresh lemon juice in the fridge for up to 4 days. If you have leftover juice after juicing a lemon, pour the liquid into an airtight container. For instance, place the juice in a glass mason jar or food storage container. Then, set the juice in your fridge—it keeps its flavor for about 4 days.^{[17]
X
Research source}
- Lemon juice typically starts to lose its flavor after 1 day. So, aim to use it as soon as possible.^{[18]
  X
  Trustworthy Source
  
  University of California Division of Agriculture and Natural Resources
  Extension program of the University of California system devoted to educating and improving local communities
  
  Go to source}
2
Freeze lemon juice for up to 4 to 6 months. Freezing lemon juice is a great alternative to freezing whole or sliced lemons. Simply squeeze your lemons and pour the juice into a clean ice cube tray. Set the tray in your freezer and leave the lemon juice to freeze for 1 to 2 hours. Then, pop out the juice cubes and place them in a freezer bag or container.^{[19]
X
Research source}
- Date the bag of frozen lemon juice so you know when the cubes are no longer fresh.
- When you need a bit of lemon juice for a recipe, simply take a cube out of the freezer and pop it in the microwave for 30 seconds to thaw. Or, add it directly to a dish if you’re cooking with heat.

Section 8 of 8:

Frequently Asked Questions

Download Article

It’s not recommended to use or juice a lemon that’s moldy or bad. At best, it’s going to taste unpleasant (so you wouldn’t want to eat it anyway) and at worst, it can potentially make you sick. So, it’s best to compost or throw away lemons that have gone bad.^{[20]
X
Research source}
Eating a bad or moldy lemon can potentially make you sick, as some types of mold are poisonous. Some people are allergic to mold, so it can cause an allergic reaction, too. To be on the safe side, don’t use or juice bad lemons.^{[21]
X
Research source}
3
Can you cut off mold from a lemon and still use it? No, you can’t cut off mold from a lemon. Because lemons (and other fruits) are soft, the mold travels easily through the fruit and is likely all over it, even if you can’t see it. So, if you see any mold on a lemon, it’s best to compost or toss it.^{[22]
X
Research source}
- You can cut off mold from firm produce, like carrots, and hard foods like cheese and ham, because mold can’t travel as easily through them.

Expert Q&A

Search

Add New Question

Ask a Question

200 characters left

Include your email address to get a message when this question is answered.

Submit

Tips

Instead of storing your leftover lemon, use it to make lemonade or lemon water. Or, use it to make an invigorating facial scrub or body scrub.

Thanks
Helpful 0 Not Helpful 0