In this article we will deal with oranges and their shelf life. Oranges are one of the most popular citrus fruits due to their juicy flavor, high concentration of vitamin C and relatively low cost.
But, have you ever wondered how long oranges can last? After how much time have they gone bad? Do you know how to store oranges properly to extend their shelf life? You will find out in this article all you want to know about oranges and their shelf life.
More about Oranges
The orange is a citrus fruit that is also called a sweet orange. The orange is considered a hybrid and it is something between mandarin and pomelo. There are different types of oranges all around the world. Oranges are a great source of vitamin C and other antioxidants, but they are also rich in fiber.
You can also make an orange juice by cutting and squeezing fresh oranges into a glass. It is recommended to refrigerate the juice and to drink it within a day. You can also mix oranges with bananas, pineapples and some other fruits and to make delicious smoothies.
What Is the Shelf Life of Oranges?
Oranges usually don’t have a sell by date, a best before date or a use by date, so it is not easy to determine their shelf life. It is difficult to tell how long oranges had been on the grocery shelf before you have purchased them. The only date that you have is the date of the purchase or the date when oranges were picked.
If oranges are stored at room temperature they will last for up to a week or two. After that, they will begin to degrade. If you have already cut open an orange, it will last only an hour or two at room temperature.
Of course, when oranges are refrigerated they will last longer. This way they can last two to four weeks. Sometimes whole oranges will last even more than a month if they are kept in the fridge. But, if an orange has been peeled, it will last two days if you store it in a covered container in the fridge. The shelf life of oranges will be the longest if you store them in the freezer. This way they can last for up to a year.
How to Store Oranges Properly?
Like all other fruits, oranges also last for a shorter period of time when they are not stored properly. If you want your oranges to last longer it is necessary to provide them proper storage conditions. What does it mean?
Well, you can store oranges at room temperature and they will last for a couple of days, as we have already said. It is recommended to store them in a cool and dry place. You will extend the shelf life of oranges if you store them in your fridge drawer. Low temperatures will slow the growth of mold. But, when oranges are prepared, you should store them in a container that is closed tightly in order to keep them away from moisture and other contaminants.
The best way to extend the shelf life of oranges is to store them in the freezer. If you want to provide the best quality of oranges, it is best to freeze the juice or to pack the oranges in sugar before you freeze them. It is important not to freeze navel oranges because the freezing process may destroy them and make them quite bitter.
How To Tell If Oranges Have Gone Bad?
It will not be difficult to tell if oranges have gone bad. Your senses will certainly help you in it. Sometimes senses are the most reliable instruments than can help us tell if oranges have been spoiled. Well, some of the signs that your oranges are not good for consumption any more are a soft texture and also discoloration. The soft spots on orange skin will be moist and they will develop a mold which is white in color. Mold will penetrate the fruit to the inside and it will ruin the fruit.
Also, a very characteristic sign of orange spoilage is a sour smell and taste. If you notice any of these signs, you should toss your oranges out. It is important to discard oranges as soon as you notice the mold, regardless of how long oranges have been stored. Also, if your orange juice has gone bad, it will be smelly and sour and you should discard it.
Summary
As you have seen in this article, the shelf life of oranges is variable and it depends mostly on the way of storage. Proper storage conditions are the most important when it comes to the shelf life of oranges and other fruits.
As we have already said, the oranges that are stored at room temperature will last for a week or so, whereas the oranges stored in the fridge will last for up to a month or two. The freezing process will significantly increase the shelf life of oranges. If you notice that mold has appeared on the orange skin or if the texture of oranges has gone soft, it means that your oranges are spoiled.
Also, if oranges have gone bad, they will have a sour smell. In this case you should discard them. Remember that spoiled foods are not good for our health.
