Citrus Lasts Longer in the Fridge
Lemons, limes, and oranges kept in the crisper drawer stay juicy for several weeks, versus about a week on the counter, because the cold slows both moisture loss through the peel and the ripening enzymes that eventually dry the fruit out. The tradeoff is that citrus straight from the fridge yields a bit less juice when cold since chilled cell walls resist pressing — let it sit out for 20-30 minutes and roll it firmly on the counter before juicing to loosen the internal membranes.
Sources & methodology: These tips draw on established food-science references —
Harold McGee's food-science writing, America's Test Kitchen /
Cook's Illustrated testing, Serious Eats'
technique reporting, USDA food safety guidance,
and peer-reviewed food-safety research (including UC Davis
cutting-board studies) — not reworded recipe-blog consensus.