How to Tell If a Lemon Is Ripe in 4 Different Ways

Have you ever cut into a lemon just to discover that it’s dried out with little to no juice? Well, picking the perfect lemon is harder than it sounds. There’s a common misconception that you can tell the ripeness of a fruit by its color, but there are other factors you need to consider as well, such as size, texture, weight, and sometimes even scent.

Below are four simple tips for picking out ripe lemons every time you visit the grocery store or farmer’s market. Once you become a lemon-picking pro, be sure to store your lemons properly, too. Lemons can last for a week or more when put in an airtight food storage container and placed in the crisper drawer of your refrigerator. And while you can pre-slice lemons to conveniently have on-hand, your lemons will stay fresh for longer if you cut them right before you plan to use them. 

Keep reading to discover how to tell if a lemon is ripe! 

Look at the Size

If you’re sifting through a pile of lemons at the grocery store, you may feel inclined to grab the biggest one in the bunch, so you’ve got more to use. But the truth is, lemons are usually picked when they’re about 2 to 3 inches long because that’s one of the best indicators that they're perfectly ripe. The Meyer lemon variety tends to be a bit smaller, but they also have a unique taste that’s a cross between a lemon and an orange. 

Check Out the Color

Have you ever waited for a greenish-yellow lemon to ripen before using it? Well, you technically don’t have to! Lemons grow and ripen on a tree, and are picked when they turn greenish yellow in color. Of course, a vibrant yellow color is the best way to tell if a lemon is ripe, but if there’s a hint of green, that’s fine too.   

Examine the Texture 

Lemons with smoothed skin is another key sign of ripeness and maturity. If you notice bumps and grooves on a lemon, it’s best to put it back because it likely means it isn’t ripe and doesn’t contain much juice. 

Hold it For Heaviness 

Firmness is important when searching for a ripe lemon, but the lemon shouldn’t be too hard. Lemons that are heavy with a thin but firm exterior are usually the juiciest and most flavorful.