Lemons, limes, and oranges last 10 to 21 days in the fridge
Quick answer
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Room temperature
Keeps for 10 days
Keep citrus fruit at room temperature and use it within 10 days of buying it.
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Fridge
Keeps for 10-21 days
Keep it in a clean refrigerator at 40°F (4°C) or below, counting the days from the day you bought it.
Watch out Cut away damaged or bruised areas, and throw away citrus fruit that looks rotten.
Lemons, limes, oranges, grapefruit, tangerines, and clementines last 10 days at room temperature and 10 to 21 days in the refrigerator. Those times count from the day you buy them. USDA FoodKeeper doesn't recommend freezing citrus fruit.
Buying citrus fruit this week?
On a Listonic list, every item gets the amount you need and a note on when to use it by.
- Quantity and unit on every item
- A note like “fridge, use within a week”
- One list shared with everyone at home
Lemons, limes, oranges, grapefruit, tangerines, and clementines all share one storage time in the USDA’s FoodKeeper data. They last 10 days at room temperature and 10 to 21 days in the refrigerator.
Count those days from the day you buy the fruit. The freezer isn’t an option, because FoodKeeper doesn’t recommend freezing citrus fruit.
How long do lemons last?
Lemons last 10 days at room temperature and 10 to 21 days in the refrigerator. Those times count from the day you buy them.
Limes, oranges, grapefruit, tangerines, and clementines share the same line in FoodKeeper, so they follow the same times.
| Citrus fruit | Room temperature | Refrigerator | Freezer |
|---|---|---|---|
| Lemons | 10 days | 10 to 21 days | Not recommended |
| Limes | 10 days | 10 to 21 days | Not recommended |
| Oranges | 10 days | 10 to 21 days | Not recommended |
| Grapefruit | 10 days | 10 to 21 days | Not recommended |
| Tangerines | 10 days | 10 to 21 days | Not recommended |
| Clementines | 10 days | 10 to 21 days | Not recommended |
How to store lemons
Store lemons at room temperature if you’ll use them within 10 days, and in the refrigerator if you want them to last 10 to 21 days. Start counting on the day you buy them.
At the store, choose lemons that aren’t bruised or damaged. If you buy citrus pre-cut or packaged, the FDA says to refrigerate it, and to choose only items that are refrigerated or surrounded by ice. The FDA’s guide to selecting and serving produce safely covers both points.
Should lemons be refrigerated?
Lemons don’t need to be refrigerated, but the refrigerator gives them more time. They last 10 to 21 days there and 10 days at room temperature.
If you use the refrigerator, keep it clean and at 40°F (4°C) or below, the FDA’s guidance for perishable fresh produce.
How long do lemons last in the fridge?
Lemons last 10 to 21 days in the refrigerator, counted from the day you buy them. Check them as the days pass, cut away any damaged or bruised areas, and throw away lemons that look rotten.
How to store oranges
Store oranges the same way as lemons, at room temperature for up to 10 days or in the refrigerator for 10 to 21 days.
Should oranges be refrigerated?
Oranges don’t need to be refrigerated, but the refrigerator gives them more time. FoodKeeper lists 10 days at room temperature and 10 to 21 days in the refrigerator, both counted from the day you buy them.
How to store limes
Store limes at room temperature for up to 10 days or in the refrigerator for 10 to 21 days. Grapefruit, tangerines, and clementines follow the same times.
Can you freeze lemons?
No. USDA FoodKeeper doesn’t recommend freezing lemons, and the same goes for limes, oranges, grapefruit, tangerines, and clementines. Use them within their room temperature or refrigerator time instead.
Do lemons go bad?
Yes, lemons go bad. FoodKeeper gives them 10 days at room temperature and 10 to 21 days in the refrigerator, so plan to use them within that time.
Throw away citrus fruit that looks rotten. If a fruit only has a damaged or bruised area, cut that area away before you prepare or eat it.
How to wash citrus fruit
Rinse citrus under plain running water before you peel or cut it, even if you won’t eat the peel. That way dirt and bacteria don’t get carried from the surface as you peel or cut.
Skip soap, detergent, and commercial produce wash, because produce is porous and can absorb them. Washing reduces bacteria but doesn’t eliminate them. The FDA lists more in its tips for cleaning fruits and vegetables.
- Gently rub the fruit under plain running water.
- Scrub firm fruit with a clean produce brush.
- Dry it with a clean cloth or paper towel to reduce bacteria further.
Frequently asked questions
How long do oranges last in the fridge?
Oranges last 10 to 21 days in the refrigerator, counted from the day you buy them. At room temperature they last 10 days.
How long do limes last in the fridge?
Limes last 10 to 21 days in the refrigerator, counted from the day you buy them. At room temperature they last 10 days.
Can you freeze oranges?
USDA FoodKeeper doesn't recommend freezing oranges. Use them within 10 days at room temperature or 10 to 21 days in the refrigerator.
Can you freeze limes?
USDA FoodKeeper doesn't recommend freezing limes either. They keep 10 to 21 days in the refrigerator.
How long does lemon extract last?
Lemon extract lasts 2 years in the pantry. After you open it, it lasts 12 months.
When do the 10 days for citrus start?
They start the day you buy the fruit. FoodKeeper counts both the room temperature and the refrigerator times from the date of purchase.
