Preserving lemons can extend their shelf life and add unique flavors to your dishes. Here are a few popular methods:

1. Refrigeration:

• Whole Lemons: Store whole lemons in a plastic bag or airtight container in the refrigerator. This can keep them fresh for up to a month.
• Cut Lemons: Wrap cut lemons tightly in plastic wrap or place them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Use them within a few days.

2. Freezing:

• Lemon Slices: Slice lemons and place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Freeze until solid, then transfer the slices to a freezer-safe bag or container.
• Lemon Zest: Grate the zest and freeze it in a small airtight container or freezer bag.
• Lemon Juice: Squeeze the juice and pour it into ice cube trays. Once frozen, transfer the lemon juice cubes to a freezer bag. This allows you to use small portions as needed.

3. Preserved Lemons:

• Ingredients: Lemons, kosher salt, and optionally, spices like bay leaves, cinnamon sticks, or peppercorns.
• Method:
  1. Wash and dry the lemons. Cut each lemon into quarters, but not all the way through, leaving them attached at the base.
  2. Rub kosher salt generously over the cut surfaces and inside the lemons.
  3. Pack the lemons tightly into a sterilized jar, adding more salt between layers. Add optional spices if desired.
  4. Press the lemons down to release their juices. Cover and let sit at room temperature for a few days, pressing the lemons down daily to release more juice.
  5. After a few days, ensure the lemons are submerged in their own juice. If not, add fresh lemon juice to cover.
  6. Seal the jar and store it in the refrigerator for at least a month before using. Preserved lemons can last for up to a year.

4. Dehydration:

• Method:
  1. Slice lemons thinly and arrange them on a dehydrator tray or a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
  2. Dry them in a dehydrator or an oven set to the lowest temperature until they are completely dried and brittle.
  3. Store the dried lemon slices in an airtight container.

5. Making Lemon Sugar or Lemon Salt:

• Lemon Sugar: Mix lemon zest with sugar and spread it out to dry. Store in an airtight container.
• Lemon Salt: Mix lemon zest with coarse salt and spread it out to dry. Store in an airtight container.

6. Lemon Syrup:

• Ingredients: Lemon juice, sugar, and water.
• Method:
  1. Combine equal parts lemon juice and sugar in a saucepan.
  2. Heat gently, stirring until the sugar dissolves.
  3. Allow the syrup to cool and store it in a sterilized jar in the refrigerator.

By using these preservation methods, you can enjoy the fresh taste of lemons year-round and enhance a variety of dishes with their bright, citrusy flavor.