Whether you have citrus trees that produce more fruit than you can use, or you prefer to shop in bulk, here's how to freeze citrus fruits and use them, too!

grapefruit, orange, and lime, from Shelf Cooking

STORING CITRUS FRUITS TO STAY FRESHER LONGER

Before we learn how to freeze citrus fruits, let's just talk about basic storage.

Lemons, limes, grapefruits, and oranges can all be stored and kept fresh in the fridge for up to two weeks. To help them last longer, there are a few basic things you can do:

  • Wipe them down before storing them to prevent mold.
  • Store them in a bowl of water in the fridge.
  • Keep them out of direct sunlight.
  • Store them in a mesh bag (like the ones they come in if you buy a bundle).

If you can keep them fresh long enough for everyone to enjoy them, that's a big win! But freezing citrus fruits is a great option if you find yourself with more than your family can possibly consume before they go bad. And it's super easy!

BASIC FREEZER TIPS

How to do your kitchen inventory - Tips from ShelfCooking.com
  • Make sure your freezer is set to 0 degrees Farenheight, or -18 degrees Celsius.
  • Keep your freezer about 75% full. There should be a little bit of room for air circulation around frozen items. If you don't have enough food to fill it up, use ice to fill some of the empty spaces.
  • Before freezing, add a solution that contains citric acid or Vitamin C to prevent oxidation, which destroys nutrients.
  • If you're unsure what foods can be frozen, take a walk through your grocery store's frozen aisles. If it can be frozen at the grocery store, it can be frozen in your home!

HOW TO FREEZE, STORE, AND USE CITRUS FRUITS

fresh squeezed lime juice, from Shelf Cooking
  • Sliced citrus fruit: Stack individual slices of citrus fruits between pieces of freezer, waxed, or parchment paper and freeze them in a plastic, airtight container. They will last up to six months. There is no need to thaw them if they will be used in drinks. If you're using them for garnish, thaw for 30 minutes at room temperature.
  • Whole citrus fruit: You can freeze whole citrus fruits, like limes and oranges! Just wash, pat dry, and freeze them in a freezer bag for up to 6 months. Thaw them at room temperature but know that they will be mushy!
  • Citrus juice: If you've juiced more lemons than you can drink, you don't need to waste the extra! You can fill freezer-safe containers 3/4 full to allow for expansion. You can also freeze juice in plastic drink cups and then transfer them to freezer bags. They will last 8-12 months and can be thawed at room temperature.
  • Citrus zest: To freeze citrus zest, you can place small amounts on a plate or a tray in mounds. Freeze for several hours, then transfer to small freezer bags for up to 6 months. You do not need to thaw them before use.

OUR FAVORITE CITRUS RECIPES

If you've got oranges and lemons coming at you faster than you can think of how to use them, here are some yummy recipes we love!

homemade mango pineapple smoothie bowl, from Shelf Cooking

Frozen Citrus Favorites

  • Make Smoothie Packs – Calling all smoothie fans! Stop shelling out $10 (or more) at that smoothie shop every time a craving hits. Turn your leftover fruit into grab-and-go freezer smoothie packs. You'll save loads of time and money!
  • Fruit Ice Cubes – Want to bring the “wow” factor to your next cookout or dinner party? Slice or dice your leftover fruit into bite-sized pieces, then drop it in an ice cube tray, toss in a few fresh herbs, and cover with water. Your lemonade and tea will be oh-so-fancy!
  • Freezer Jam – We don't like to pick favorites, but this one might take the cake. Round up your leftover lemons, limes, and strawberries to make a batch of this incredible strawberry freezer jam! (Hint: You can use other fruit, too.)

Citrusy Sides and Salads

  • Lemon Blueberry Bread – As soon as you see the picture of this lemon blueberry bread, we know you'll be sold, so enough said!
  • Fruit Salad – Not a fan of salad? This one just might change your mind. The secret ingredient in our fruit salad is whipped cream, and it is GOOD.
  • Whip Up Some Fruit Salsa – This fruit salsa recipe is one of our tried and true party apps, and it's the perfect way to use up your leftover fruit.
  • Make Fruit Kabobs – Grab your skewers and get to spearing! Add sliced fruit, cheese, marshmallow, veggies, or whatever you have on hand. This makes for a fun and healthy after-school snack!
Sliced lemon blueberry bread, from Shelf Cooking

There you go, now that you know how to freeze your citrus fruits, you never have to throw them away again! What are your favorite citrus recipes? Leave a comment below!

how to freeze citrus fruits, juices, and zest.

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Jordan Page signature, from ShelfCooking.com