Lemon Cooling And Storage Guide

Storage: 12–14 °C at 90–95% humidity The optimum storage temperature for lemons is 12–14 °C at 90–95% relative humidity. Depending on variety, maturity at harvest and growing area, combined storage and transit can extend up to six months. Lemons picked at the dark-green stage last longest; fully yellow fruit has to be marketed more quickly.

Below that range, chilling injury sets in. The symptoms are pitting of the rind, staining of the segment membranes and reddish blotches on the peel. Moderate to severe chilling injury is usually followed by decay. Setting lemons at the same temperature as apples or grapes will therefore cost the lot; in a mixed load the temperature has to be set for the lemons.

Removing ethylene from the store slows ageing and decay. In controlled atmosphere, 5–10% oxygen with 0–10% carbon dioxide delays the loss of green colour.