Unlike other fruits, citrus fruits do not continue to ripen once they have been picked. So it is important that they be ripe right off of the tree. [1] X Research source Ripened fruit will have very bright and vibrant colors. A fully ripened citrus fruit will have reached the fullness of its color. Dull looking fruit can indicate over ripeness and oranges with an abundance of greenish skin can mean that the fruit is under ripened. A bit of green on the skin of oranges and lemons is perfectly fine. These tend to keep the longest and will be perfect for storing.
Farmers markets, as well as other markets that sell locally harvested produce tend to offer fresher citrus fruits due to the fact that they are often delivered straight from the harvest.
Using a mesh or otherwise well-ventilated bag will keep the air circulating around the fruit. This will help to prolong the occurrence of mold, lesions or softened produce. Store them in your refrigerator’s vegetable bin and be sure to rotate the fruit regularly to maintain airflow. Oranges stored in a refrigerator should keep for approximately one month.
Do not cover the bowl with plastic wrap or foil. Airflow is important to keeping oranges fresh.
If they arrive damp, so be sure to towel dry and air them out before storing.
Similar to oranges, grapefruit should be placed into a mesh or otherwise well-ventilated storage bag. Grapefruit need good air circulation to prevent perspiration and moldy conditions. Be sure to rotate them twice per week.
If you regularly use lemon slices for water or tea, you can freeze lemon slices by laying them out on a cookie sheet and setting them in the freezer for a few hours. Once they are solid, place them into a ziploc storage bag. [8] X Research source
Storing limes at room temperature also allows them to yield more juice.
Unlike orange or yellow citrus fruits, limes will begin to turn brown as they age. Limes that are mostly brown are considered moldy and should not be eaten. [10] X Research source
Use frozen lime juice to preserve guacamole or any other dishes with avocado to keep it from spoiling. Frozen lemon juice can be added to fish before baking for a delicious citrusy taste. Frozen orange juice popsicles are a great way for kids to get their much-needed serving of vitamin C.
Rinse the lemons and dry them before you begin. Using a shape knife, make a lengthwise cut in the lemon. You do not want to cut all the way through — your aim is to create slits into which you can pack salt and spices, not to chop the lemon up. Make four incisions like this. [11] X Research source Fill the sliced openings with Kosher, pickling or sea salt at about one tablespoon per lemon. Put the lemon into a clean quart-sized Mason jar. Continue to add salted lemons until the the jar is almost full, mashing them down so they fit. [12] X Research source At this point you may add some spices and/or herbs such as cinnamon, cloves or bay leaves. Seal the jars tightly and wait at least 3 weeks before eating they can be kept up to 6 months Pickled fruit is usually paired with fish, in salads and with rice. [13] X Research source
To can a citrus fruit, remove peel, seeds and membrane from the fruit and break the fruit up by its segments (pieces). [15] X Research source Bring to a boil six cups of water, along with sugar, sugar syrup or fruit juice. Fill your up your jar with the citrus fruit. Once the mixture has come to a boil, carefully pour it into the jar, over the fruit. Do not allow the mixture to cool before pouring. Seal the jar and submerge it in a hot, boiling water bath for 10 minutes. After boiling, lift the jar from the water and allow it to cool.
