Oranges are fruits delicious in taste, reasonably priced, and containing a high source of vitamins. If you buy oranges in bulk or just harvested, how can you preserve them? How long do oranges last?
To search for the answer to this question as well as the methods to conserve this kind of fruit, let’s read this article below!
How Long Do Oranges Last?
To answer the question How long do oranges last can be quite difficult as this depends on the circumstances and different conditions. The environment in which you store oranges will lead to different shelf life.
How long do oranges last at room temperatures?
Once harvested, oranges can be kept for about 1 to 2 weeks. This depends on the weather, climate, and the temperature where you live.
If your area is too hot or too humid, oranges will not be able to store for more than a week. If kept in cool and dry weather, they can last at room temperature for about two weeks.
Moisture can create mold on the pods and penetrate within the oranges, causing damages. One solution is to wrap each fruit in wax paper and check them regularly to prolong their shelf life.
How long do oranges last in the fridge?
If you keep oranges in the fridge, their shelf life will be longer than at room temperature. The reason is that lower temperatures can slow the growth of mold or mildew.
Therefore, you can save oranges in the fridge for 3 to 4 weeks. When storing oranges in the refrigerator, you should make sure that the peel is free of bruises and is not soft when touched. To prevent the oranges from freezing, let’s put them in a large enough plastic bag. If you come across any rotten oranges, you should immediately throw them out of the fridge and clean the covering of the others.
How long do oranges last if frozen?
How to keep oranges longer? Let’s try freezing them. This method can preserve oranges for over one month. However, you cannot freeze whole oranges, as that will ruin their texture and flavor. You should also note that only apply this method when you have too many oranges. You should cut them into small pieces, put them in an airtight container, then store them in the freezer.
How long do oranges last if canned?
If you know how to dry and can correctly, the shelf life of oranges can last about one to 1 and a half years. Of all the ways listed, this is considered the best and most effective technique to extend the shelf life of oranges.
Before canning, you should completely remove the orange peel, keeping only their flesh to avoid bitterness. You can store the whole fruit or slice them depending on your interest and purposes.
First, dry them by using the dehydrator for about 8 hours. Next, put them in a glass jar, then pour the hot sugar syrup on top and cover the jars tightly.
Tips For Preserving Oranges
How long do oranges last? Depending on the environment you store them in, they will have a diverse shelf life. Here are some tips that will be helpful for stocking them in most conditions.
- Do not store oranges in polyethylene substance as it will produce a shortage of air and generate moisture inside, which makes the fruit spoil quicker.
- Do not put oranges too close to other fruits or foods because it can cause odor to your foods.
- You can lightly rub herbal oil on the skin of the oranges to extend their shelf life.
- Remember to regularly check on preserved oranges to spot any black, green, or yellow spots or softening signs.
How To Recognize Spoiled Oranges?
Recognizing bad oranges is not as difficult as you think. You can totally recognize them with naked eyes. Spoilage signs include softening and the appearance of many green or yellow molds. Also, regarding flavor, spoiled oranges will have a distinctive sour smell of ruined products.
Upon recognizing spoilage signs, remove them from bulk. Don’t try to take advantage of them because they will only harm your health.
In The Nutshell
We have solved the commonly asked question – How long do oranges last? The expiry date of this fruit depends on the different environmental conditions we have explained above. Besides, we also recommend some effective and practical ways to store oranges so that they have longer shelf lives than usual.
Thanks for reading, and see you in the next post!
