Lemons are a powerhouse of health benefits. They are packed with Vitamin C, essential nutrients, and antioxidants, and they add a delightful flavor to various dishes and beverages. While many people keep lemons in their fruit bowl, there is a better way to store them: freeze them! Freezing lemons not only makes it easier to access every part of the fruit but also offers several other advantages. Here are 10 reasons why you should consider keeping lemons in the freezer:
Lemon peel is the best part
The peel of a lemon contains 10 times more vitamins than the juice or flesh. By freezing lemons, you can grate the firm fruit into your food, ensuring that you utilize every part of the fruit, including the highly beneficial skin. Try freezing lemons in halves for easy grating.
Lemons are rich in Vitamin C
Vitamin C is essential for fighting colds and flus and neutralizing free radicals that contribute to aging. A large lemon provides 53mg of Vitamin C, which is nearly 90% of our daily requirement.
Lemons help our bodies repair
The abundance of Vitamin C in lemons is crucial for collagen production, which aids in the formation of new bone, blood vessels, tendons, and wound healing.
Lemons are more versatile when they’re frozen
If you find lemons too sour or dislike their flavor, freezing and grating them can make it easier to incorporate them into your meals without overwhelming your taste buds. Sprinkle the frozen lemon into soups, salad dressings, noodles, rice dishes, fruit salads with yogurt, or even ice cream. The grated lemon adds a fresh and zesty flavor that complements both sweet and savory dishes.
You won’t need ice cubes
Instead of using ice cubes, cut lemons into walnut-sized chunks before freezing. You can then add them to your glass of water to keep it cool and infuse it with a refreshing lemony flavor.
It’ll save you money
Freezing lemons can also save you money. Lemons can be expensive when out of season, so it’s a good idea to stock up when they are reasonably priced. The best part is that lemons can last three to four months in the freezer, so you don’t have to worry about them going bad.
Limonoids prevent cancer
Research has shown that limonoids, a natural compound found in citrus fruits like lemons, can help prevent the development of cancer cells, particularly breast cancer. Lemons also contain antioxidants and have antimicrobial properties that fight bacterial infections, fungi, and internal parasites. Incorporating lemons into your daily diet is a great way to boost your health.
Lemons alkalize your body
Many people unknowingly suffer from body acidity, which can cause symptoms like acid reflux, sensitive gums, mouth ulcers, fatigue, and nervousness. Drinking water with lemon is an easy way to alkalize your body. Freezing lemons allows you to be more precise with the amount you add to the water. The combination of lemon skin and flesh provides a more subtle flavor while keeping the water cool.
Lemons are low in calories and sugar
Compared to oranges, lemons have significantly fewer calories and less sugar. In 100 grams of fruit, lemons contain approximately 29 calories and 2.9 grams of sugar, while oranges have 47 calories and 9.4 grams of sugar. Although the sugars in lemons are natural, it’s still important to moderate sugar intake.
They’re perfect for drinks
Lemons are a fantastic addition to cocktails and fresh iced teas. To enhance your drinks, pour fresh lemon juice into ice trays along with other healthy and colorful ingredients like strawberries, mint leaves, or slices of orange. These lemon-infused ice cubes are convenient, mess-free, and can even be used to cool down a hot cup of tea.
Bonus Tip: You can freeze lemons whole for grating, but if you prefer sliced or chopped lemons, it’s best to do so before freezing. Sliced or chopped lemons may become mushy when thawed. To freeze sliced or chopped lemons, spread them on a single layer on a baking tray and freeze them overnight. This prevents the pieces from sticking together. Once frozen, transfer them to a snap-lock bag. If recipes call for specific parts of the lemon, you can freeze the grated rind separately in snap-lock bags or pour the juice into ice trays for freezing, as mentioned above.
Lemons are undoubtedly a superfood, but maintaining a fresh supply can be inconvenient if you don’t have a lemon tree in your garden. That’s why it’s a good idea to stock up on lemons when they are affordable, prepare them according to your preference, and store them in the freezer. You’ll love the convenience of adding fresh and flavorful lemons to your cooking, along with the numerous health benefits they provide.