To freeze citrus fruits like lemons, limes, oranges, and grapefruits, spread slices or wedges on a baking sheet and freeze them individually before storing them together in a freezer bag. This prevents them from clumping!
Here's a breakdown of how to properly freeze citrus fruits:
Steps for Freezing Citrus Fruit:
- Wash and Prepare: Thoroughly wash the citrus fruit and pat it dry. Decide how you want to freeze it:
- Slices or Wedges: Cut the fruit into slices or wedges. This is great for adding to drinks.
- Juice: Juice the fruit using a citrus juicer.
- Zest: Zest the fruit before juicing or slicing. Citrus zest freezes exceptionally well and adds a concentrated citrus flavor to recipes.
- Flash Freeze (for slices/wedges):
- Lay the slices or wedges in a single layer on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or a silicone mat. This prevents them from sticking.
- Place the baking sheet in the freezer for 2-4 hours, or until the citrus is frozen solid. This process is called "flash freezing".
- Package for Long-Term Storage:
- Once frozen, transfer the citrus slices/wedges to a freezer-safe zip-top bag or airtight container. Remove as much air as possible to prevent freezer burn.
- For juice, pour it into freezer-safe containers, leaving some headspace for expansion. Consider using ice cube trays for smaller portions. Once frozen solid, transfer the cubes to a freezer bag.
- For zest, simply place the zest into a small freezer bag or container.
- Label and Date: Label the bag or container with the date and contents. Frozen citrus can last for several months in the freezer (usually 6-12 months for slices/wedges, and longer for juice and zest).
- Use Directly from Frozen: Use frozen citrus slices and wedges directly from the freezer in drinks, smoothies, or when cooking. Frozen juice and zest can be used in recipes as needed.
Freezing Citrus Juice:
- Pour the juice into ice cube trays for easy portioning.
- Once frozen, transfer the cubes to a freezer bag.
- Alternatively, pour the juice into freezer-safe containers, leaving some headspace.
Freezing Citrus Zest:
- Zest the citrus fruit before freezing.
- Store the zest in a small freezer bag or container.
- Use directly from frozen in your recipes.
Freezing citrus fruits is an excellent way to preserve them for later use, ensuring you always have a supply of citrus flavor on hand.
