In the freezer
Not recommended
Not recommended
Freezing citrus fruit is not recommended; texture breaks down or the result is unsafe to rely on.
Quick answer
Freezing citrus fruit is not recommended; texture breaks down or the result is unsafe to rely on. Store it in the fridge instead: 10–21 days.
How to freeze citrus fruit
Freezing citrus fruit is not recommended; texture breaks down or the result is unsafe to rely on. Keep it in the fridge and use within 10–21 days.
Freezer vs fridge vs counter
Citrus fruit Per USDA FoodKeeper
On the counterCounter
10 days
cool, dry place
In the fridgeFridge
10–21 days
at or below 40°F (4°C)
In the freezerFreezer
Not recommended
texture or safety suffers
More about citrus fruit
FAQ
How long can you freeze citrus fruit?
Freezing citrus fruit is not recommended; texture breaks down or the result is unsafe to rely on.
How do you thaw frozen citrus fruit?
Move it to the fridge the night before; this keeps texture best.
Can you refreeze citrus fruit?
Only if it was thawed in the fridge and has not been left out. Quality drops each time.
Does freezing kill bacteria in citrus fruit?
No. Freezing pauses bacteria; they become active again as the food thaws. Cook or reheat to a safe temperature.
Numbers on this page come from USDA FoodKeeper and FSIS guidance. Last verified November 2026. How we verify our data · Report a wrong number