Do you like lemons but don’t always remember to use them up before they go bad?
I personally love having a supply of lemon slices on hand to add to my water and tea, so I understand the struggle!
As you’ve stumbled across this article, you may have wondered: can you freeze lemon slices?
Wonder no more!
In this blog post, we’ll immediately cover that question and also give 5 delicious ways to use frozen lemon slices in your cooking.
Let’s get started.
Can You Freeze Lemon Slices?
Lemon slices are a great option for freezing because they contain high amounts of citric acid, which helps preserve the fruit and prevent it from discoloring or turning mushy. Frozen lemon slices will last up to 6 months in your freezer and can be used to flavor drinks, dressings, and other recipes.
If you want to freeze lemon slices, wash the lemons under cold water and pat them dry.
For best results, slice the lemons into thin slices and place them in a single layer on a baking sheet covered with parchment paper or wax paper.
Place the tray of lemon slices inside your freezer, making sure not to let them touch each other.
Once frozen, transfer the slices to an airtight container or freezer-safe bag.
5 Ways To Use Frozen Lemon Slices
Once you have frozen lemon slices, there are a variety of amazing uses for them.
Here are five delicious ways to use your frozen lemon slices:
Lemonade
Thaw out a few lemon slices and blend with some water, sugar, and ice cubes to make a delicious and refreshing lemonade.
This is a great way to use up lemons that may be close to going bad.
My personal preference is to use honey as a sweetener, but definitely experiment with different types of sugar and sweeteners.
Lemon Sorbet
Frozen lemons are the perfect base for making a zesty and unique sorbet.
Simply blend the frozen slices with sugar, water, and any other desired flavors such as fresh mint or basil.
It is a great way to enjoy the tart and tangy flavor of lemons in a different way as well as cool off on a hot summer day.
Lemon Butter
Make a delicious lemon butter by blending your frozen lemon slices with softened butter and a pinch of sugar.
Spread on toast, pancakes, muffins, or use as a dip for fresh fruit.
I like to add a pinch of sea salt to bring out the flavors even more.
Salad Dressing
Add some zing to your salads with this easy-to-make dressing.
Just blend together a few frozen lemon slices with olive oil, garlic, and desired spices.
Examples of great salads for lemon dressing are spinach and kale salads with feta cheese and toasted nuts.
You can either make them for lunch or dinner, or as a side dish!
Marinades
Frozen lemon slices make for a delicious marinade to flavor your dishes.
Simply blend the slices with some oil, herbs, and spices for a tasty marinade that will add tangy sweetness to your dish.
As a vegetarian, my favorite dish to make with this marinade is a veggie stir fry.
Some tofu cubes, bell peppers, and broccoli seasoned with this marinade are a great combination.
Other Questions You May Have
Can You Freeze Lemon Juice?
Lemon juice can be frozen in an airtight container and will last up to 6 months.
I like to use an ice cube tray for convenience and even portions!
Can You Freeze Whole Lemons?
If you plan on using the lemons for zesting or juicing, you can freeze them whole for up to 3 months.
Can You Freeze Lemons In Syrup?
You can freeze lemons in syrup to help preserve them and prevent them from going bad.
To do this, slice the lemons into thin slices and place them in an airtight container with a simple syrup solution (made by boiling equal parts sugar and water).
Place the container of lemons in your freezer and they will last up to 6 months.
Final Thoughts
If you find yourself with an abundance of lemons, freezing them is a great way to make sure that they are not wasted.
Frozen lemon slices can be used in many delicious ways and will last up to 6 months in your freezer.
You can make lemonade, sorbet, butter, dressings, marinades and much more!
Also, if you plan on juicing or zesting the lemons, you can freeze them whole as well.
Overall, freezing lemons is a great way to enjoy these delicious fruits any time of the year!
So the next time you have extra lemons, don’t worry about them going bad, simply freeze them for later use.
Try it out for yourself and see what creative recipes you can come up with!