How Do You Store Oranges?

 

Do you ever stress out about buying and storing fruit? I know I can’t be the only one whose strawberries like to go bad the second I turn my back, or whose peaches never seem to get ripe at all.

This kind of waste and confusion can be so frustrating. Fortunately, oranges are one of the easiest and longest-lasting fruits out there. Happily for us, citrus isn’t picked until it’s at the peak of perfection. This means you never have to worry about whether it’s ripe or not. Citrus also stays fresh, perfect and sweet for a good long time. What a relief!

Do you still have questions about storing your oranges, tangerines and grapefruit? We’re here for you. Read on to learn more.

Q. Should I keep my citrus in the fridge or at room temperature?

A. Either one works, but your citrus will last longer if stored in the refrigerator. If you prefer to leave your beautiful fruit out to admire, know that it should stay fresh for about a week. This is a pretty long time for fruit!

If you’d like to preserve your citrus longer, store it in the refrigerator. Really fresh oranges should last in the fridge for two, three, or even four weeks! For more longevity, keep them in a net bag or perforated bag for better airflow.

Q. If I keep my citrus at room temperature, what conditions are best?

A. Oranges like airflow, so remove them from any plastic bags and put them in a beautiful bowl for all to admire. Citrus will keep best out of heat or direct sunlight. If you have a really big bowl of citrus, you may want to rearrange them every so often.

Q. What if I slice my citrus? How long is it good for then?

A. Once you cut fruit and expose the interior to air, it does have a shorter shelf life. If you slice or section your citrus, put it in the fridge and eat it within 3 to 4 days.

Q. How long does cut or peeled citrus keep at room temperature?

A. Food safety experts generally advise that any cut or peeled fruit should be eaten or refrigerated once it has been at room temperature more than two hours.

Q.  Can I freeze citrus?

A. Yes! If you would like to freeze some oranges, tangerines or grapefruit for later, you can peel and section them, put them on a cookie sheet, freeze them, and then put them into sealed freezer bags. You can also try freezing citrus sections in a 4:3 water and sugar solution. Just boil the water and sugar till the sugar dissolves; then place the orange sections in the liquid, cool, place in containers, and freeze. This will keep up to a year.

Q. Can I freeze orange juice?

A. Definitely! This is a great way to quickly preserve your citrus. Simply “squeeze and freeze.”

Q. What are some other good things to do with a big box of citrus?

A. We’re glad you asked! There’s really no such thing as “too many oranges” (or tangerines, or grapefruit) in our humble opinions. If it seems like you have a few too many to eat out of hand, we have so many great ideas for cooking with citrus, making delicious drinks with citrus, baking with citrus, and even decorating with citrus.

Citrus keeps so well, and its quality is so reliable. You’re bound to think of a hundred great ways to use it in your home and kitchen. We also happen to think it looks beautiful as a centerpiece in your dining room or kitchen. Why not order some today?