How to Freeze Lemons—Whether You Need Juice, Zest, or Whole Fruit

KEY POINTS

• Freezing lemons helps preserve their fresh flavor and usefulness for months, making it easy to enjoy citrus year-round.

• Whole lemons, juice, and zest each freeze well with simple prep steps, maintaining taste and versatility in drinks, cooking, and desserts.

• Proper handling—washing fruit, avoiding temperature swings, and using airtight containers—keeps frozen citrus bright, flavorful, and safe to use.

Everyone loves a bowl of sunny lemons on the counter—not just for their beautiful color and smell, but also for their seemingly endless uses. But when life hands you more lemons than you can handle, the best solution isn't always to make lemonade—it might be the freezer. You can freeze lemons (and other citrus) when they're in season, if they're on sale, or to future-proof for a day when you can't be bothered to go to the store. Learn how to freeze lemons, from zest to juice to whole fruits, and how long they will last, according to a citrus farmer.

MEET the EXPERT

Zeppelin King, citrus grower and co-owner of Butrico Groves, a citrus farm in Florida

How to Freeze Whole Lemons

Yes, you can freeze the whole fruit! Zeppelin King, owner of Butrico Groves, a citrus farm in Florida, has plenty of repeat customers who freeze their citrus every year.

To freeze whole lemons, King says:

1. Thoroughly wash and dry the lemons.

2. Place them on a plate or parchment-lined baking sheet and freeze.

3. Once they are frozen, transfer them to a zip-top freezer bag or an airtight container to protect their skin.

Lemons are delicate, and King says the best place to store frozen lemons is at the back of the freezer, not close to the door. This is to protect them from temperature fluctuations, which might cause the fruits to soften and refreeze, making them icy.

How Long Frozen Lemons Last

Frozen whole lemons will maintain their bright flavor and juiciness for about four months. Beyond that time, they’re still safe to consume but may begin to lose some of their fresh smell and firm texture. 

Defrosting Whole Lemons

To defrost whole frozen citrus, let it sit at room temperature for about 2 hours until completely soft. Or, zest the fruits with a microplane while they’re still frozen, and juice them when they have defrosted.

How to Freeze Lemon Juice

The best way to freeze lemon juice is in ice cube trays, according to King. Here's how:

1. Divide the freshly squeezed juice between ice cube trays and freeze until solid.  

2. Pop the frozen cubes out of the trays and transfer to zip-top freezer bags.

There are plenty of ways to use frozen lemon juice cubes:

• Add to water or other beverages: Drop a cube or two into sparkling water, iced tea, or lemonade for an extra hit of citrus. They’re also perfect in cocktails, such as a gin and tonic or a spritz, adding fresh lemon flavor without diluting the drink.

• Cook with them: Add a cube to soups, sauces, or sautés at the end of cooking for a subtle burst of acidity that balances and brightens.

• Use for glazes, frostings, or syrups: Try our lemon glaze for cookies or pound cake or lemon syrup for cocktails.

• Preserve fresh produce: When defrosted, lemon juice is useful to brush or drizzle over cut apples, avocados, or artichokes to prevent browning.

• Elevate entertaining: Take your frozen lemon juice cubes one step further by including edible flowers, herbs, or even thin slices of the lemon itself to make cubes for party drinks that are as attractive as they are flavorful, either for a pitcher, a punch bowl, or just an individual glass.

The measured portions make it easy to add just the right amount of lemon juice without the need for fresh fruit. Keep in mind that one standard ice cube of lemon juice is about one tablespoon. 

How Long Frozen Lemon Juice Lasts

If you’re juicing fresh citrus, King says the juice will keep well in the freezer for roughly nine months. “But fresh citrus is so delicious, who would keep it frozen for that long?”

How to Freeze Lemon Zest

Yes, you can freeze lemon zest, and you should! Because of its natural oils, the zest holds powerful lemon flavor and packs a punch even in the smallest amounts. Grate the zest from clean, dry lemons before juicing, then spread it in a thin layer on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Once frozen, transfer the zest to an airtight container or small glass jar and store it in the freezer.

How Long Frozen Zest Lasts

Frozen zest retains its flavor and aroma as well as frozen juice does. King says to keep it in the freezer for up to three months.

Another way to preserve lemon zest is to dehydrate it, says King. Once it is dehydrated, you can mix the zest into salts, sugars, and other seasoning blends for an extra citrusy kick in salad dressings, marinades, baked goods, and more.

Handling and Storage Tips

Before they make it to the freezer, King shares how to make sure your citrus is handled properly at every stage.

• “If you buy a bag of citrus, remember the bag is only for transportation. Take them out for storing when you get home,” she says.

• "If you receive a box of citrus in the mail, bring it inside as soon as possible and take the citrus out of the box. A cool place is best to store your citrus."

• And, always, wash your citrus before consuming.