The Best Way to Freeze Lemon Juice + How to Store and Use It

Got lemons? Come learn how to freeze lemon juice in ice cube trays! This is an exceptionally easy way to preserve lemon juice, and creates the perfect serving size that’s ready to use later for cooking, beverages, and more! (I love to add mine to water.) This simple guide will also cover ways to use frozen lemon juice cubes, and tips for storage to prevent freezer burn.

Living in California, we have an abundance of homegrown lemons and other citrus trees at our homestead. That means we’ve had to get creative with ways to use and preserve lemons over the years! In addition to freezing lemon juice, I love to make salt preserved lemons, dried lemon powder or homemade lemon cleaner with vinegar.

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Supplies Needed

• Fresh lemons or lemon juice.
• A bowl and/or glass measuring cup with pour spout
• A fine mesh strainer or cheesecloth
• Optional: a lemon squeezer will help make the job even easier
• Ice cube trays of choice. I like to freeze lemon juice in silicone ice cube trays, which makes them incredibly easy to pop out and use! These flexible food-grade silicone trays create the perfect small portion frozen lemon cubes (about 2 tablespoons per cube), or preserve larger servings with jumbo silicone ice cube trays like these.
• Resealable airtight freezer container for storage – such as a ziplock bag, reusable silicone food storage bags, or these durable freezer containers.

Instructions

1. Gather and wash your lemons. If you plan to save and use the peels, I recommend only doing so with organic lemons! Non-organic citrus are notorious for high pesticide use.
   
   
2. Under the palm of your hand, press down and roll the whole lemons back and forth on the counter or cutting board. This helps to soften, release juices, and make them easier to squeeze.
   
   
3. Cut the lemons in half and juice the lemons into a bowl, either by hand or with the help of a basic lemon squeezer.
   
   
4. To filter out any seeds or chunks, position a fine mesh strainer over a glass measuring cup (or other bowl with a pour spout) and pour the lemon juice through.
   
   
   

Instructions continued

5. Next, pour the filtered lemon juice into ice cube trays. Since we use flexible silicone ice cube trays, I like to set them on top of a freezer-safe plate, platter, or small cookie sheet (one that fits in the freezer) to make it easier to carry or move without spilling.
   
   
6. Transfer the trays to the freezer and freeze the lemon juice for at least several hours or overnight, until completely frozen. See storage tips below.

Storing Frozen Lemon Juice

Once frozen, transfer the lemon juice cubes into an air-tight container for long term storage. We like to use these reusable silicone food storage bags, though a regular zip lock bag works well too.

Squeeze out as much air from the bag as possible. Reducing exposure to air is the KEY to preventing freezer burn. (That’s why it’s best to not store lemon juice in the ice cube trays long-term.) Also, try to work quickly so they don’t defrost as you pack them up!

Since they were frozen individually first, the cubes shouldn’t stick together so you can easily pluck one out as needed and then re-seal the bag. 

How long is frozen lemon juice good for?

Frozen lemon juice stays good for about a year when stored properly in an air-tight container. For the best quality, try to use it within 6 to 9 months. Since it’s so acidic, lemon juice can’t really “go bad” in a harmful way, though the flavor can become less pleasant over time – especially if it develops freezer burn. Since lemons are naturally high in pectin, the frozen cubes may also get sticky with time, but that doesn’t mean they’re bad!

Ways to Use Frozen Lemon Juice Cubes

You can use frozen lemon juice in any recipe or dish that calls for fresh lemon juice. See a list of ideas below. In some instances, you can even use them frozen – such as added to drinks, water or smoothies. Otherwise, set the frozen lemon juice cubes in a small bowl on the counter or fridge to defrost as needed.

• Cocktails or mocktails
• For homemade lemonade – just add some water and sweetener of choice!
• In plain water. Starting your day with a glass of lemon water gives you a refreshing boost of hydration, antioxidants and vitamin C.
• Iced tea or homemade herbal sun tea
• Smoothies or green juice recipes
• Homemade salad dressing
• Dips or sauces such as guacamole, tzatziki, hummus, or our popular lemon walnut basil pesto
• Lemony baked goods including cookies, bread or muffins

So simple.

Now you know how to preserve and freeze lemon juice. I told you it was easy. We use the same method to make frozen basil cubes with olive oil, which you can do with other fresh herbs too! If you found this post to be helpful, please consider leaving a review below. Enjoy!

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• How to Freeze Green Beans (With or Without Blanching)