Thats when I realized, Im actually not surewhyI give lemons a rinse before using them.

Is It Necessary To Wash Lemons Before Use?

Its best to wash lemons to remove any dirt residue on the rind, says Le.

Overhead view of lemons on a wooden surface, one of the lemons cut in half

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This is especially true if you are zesting the lemon.

Lemon rinds can have dirt and residues that contain bacteria and potentially food-borne pathogens.

They cannot be easily washed off with water as many are not soluble in water.