Oranges are tropical fruits that grow on trees near the equator.
When it comes to storing them, many people wonder whether oranges can be refrigerated.
So, can you refrigerate oranges?
Yes, oranges can be refrigerated for up to two weeks. However, the process of refrigeration is damaging and will affect how sweet oranges taste.
Refrigerating oranges normally changes how they taste, making them slightly sour.
Therefore, it is best to check your refrigerated oranges regularly to make sure that they remain good.
If you want to eat oranges that have been in the refrigerator, it is best to wait for them to come back to room temperature.
How long can you refrigerate oranges?
Oranges can be kept in the refrigerator for up to two weeks.
Refrigeration is recommended for oranges that are not quite ripe yet, but you can also store fully ripened oranges in the refrigerator.
But it is important to remember though that the refrigeration process can cause oranges to turn brown, though this effect is only temporary.
To keep oranges fresh for two weeks in the refrigerator, separate them from other fruits and vegetables by placing them in a container or plastic bag.
Be sure to place the oranges on the bottom shelf, below other foods, to prevent juices from leaking.
Is it better to keep oranges in the fridge?
Well, it depends. Refrigerating oranges is okay but not ideal.
Refrigeration can break down the cell membranes of the fruit. As a result, the fruit can lose its flavor and even develop an unpleasant aroma.
Refrigeration also causes the oranges to lose vitamin C. Refrigerator storage can also lead to the accumulation of the ethylene gas that triggers oranges to soften.
Oranges, in general, do not need refrigeration.
If you want to keep oranges for a longer period of time, put them in the coolest part of your refrigerator and not the crisper bin.
Refrigerate them only when they become soft and their skin begins to wrinkle. Refrigerating oranges at this point will prevent additional ripening.
If you have oranges that are already ripe and you want to keep them for a longer period, the best way is to freeze them.
To do this, you have to peel the oranges first. Then, put the orange peels in a zip-top plastic bag and store them in your freezer.
If you want to keep the pulp of your orange for later use, pack them in a freezer bag and store them in the freezer for up to six months.
What happens if you refrigerate oranges?
Refrigerating oranges help them stay fresh, plump, and juicy. Refrigerated oranges will remain fresh for two to four weeks, as opposed to oranges left on the counter, which can only last about one week.
Refrigerating oranges can also increase the flavor and overall quality of orange juice.
Refrigerated oranges are ideal for salads, snacks, fresh-squeezed orange juice, and other recipes.
The refrigeration process can also help prevent fruit flies and other pests from breeding around your orange peels.
It also reduces the risk of various fruit-borne illnesses, including food poisoning.
How do you store oranges in the fridge?
Refrigerating oranges is a quick and simple method to prolong the life of citrus in your kitchen.
But how do you actually store oranges in the fridge?
Oranges can last up to two weeks in the fridge when stored correctly.
To store oranges in the fridge, simply place them into the crisper drawer, and remove them as you need them.
Oranges can be stored in the fridge for two weeks without any change to their taste or texture.
Make sure to wash the oranges before storing them.
If you cut an orange, do not put the unused portion back in the fridge.
However, the unused pieces can be stored in a separate airtight container and used within 3-5 days.
If you want to store oranges longer than two weeks, placing them in the freezer is an option.
However, be aware that freezing oranges will change their texture, making them more difficult to eat.
How to tell if oranges are bad?
When oranges start to go bad, you will see some changes in the fruit.
Most oranges have a thin layer of colored wax on them for protection against the elements, so if you see patches of dirt, mold, or even orange peel, it may be time to throw them out.
Additionally, if they start to get soft and mushy then you know they are bad.
Make sure to check if they smell okay by placing them up to your nose and smelling them before throwing them out.
If they smell rancid or musty, then they are not safe to eat.
Another way to tell if oranges are bad is by simply checking for any bruising or mold on the outside of the fruit.
If they do have any bruising, then it might be time to not eat them.
Lastly, the most obvious way to tell if oranges are bad is when they start to turn brown.
This is usually not a good sign and can show that they are spoiled.
If you see any of the signs mentioned, make sure to throw them out immediately so no one gets sick.
Can you freeze oranges to eat later?
If you love eating oranges but don’t go through them fast enough, then freezing the fruit may be a good option for you.
Refrigerating oranges can be effective, but it may cause them to turn brown and mushy more quickly than freezing them.
Instructions
1. Rinse the oranges before freezing them.
2. Remove any stickers or labels on the fruit, if needed.
3. Place the oranges in a freezer-safe bag, removing as much air as possible.
4. Freeze them for up to one year.
When you are ready to use the oranges, remove them from the freezer and thaw them in the refrigerator before peeling and eating them.
You can also place them in a bowl or sink full of warm water to thaw them, but this process will take longer.
If using this method, make sure to drain the thawed oranges.
Final Thoughts
Oranges can be stored at room temperature. But can you refrigerate them too?
If you have read this article from the beginning, you might already know that oranges can be refrigerated.
Oranges can be stored in the refrigerator for up to two weeks or longer.
However, it is important to remember though that the refrigeration process can potentially negatively affect the quality of the oranges.
So if you are refrigerating oranges, you should check them regularly to make sure that they remain safe and fresh.
If you want to learn more about refrigerating foods, feel free to check my additional resources here.