Oranges are citrus fruits that are healthy and are a bundle of vitamin C. Oranges are juicy, sweet, and amazing. They have a sweet yet tangy flavor and excel in both taste and health benefits.
They are also versatile and can be incorporated into dishes as well as drinks.
When you buy a fresh orange, it gives you a refreshing taste. However, if you wonder how long you can keep it, it is better to know its durability.
Oranges do have a definitive shelf life and are not everlasting like any dry item. Especially since it is a fruit, it is vulnerable to losing its freshness and nutrients when kept longer than intended.
Oranges can last up to 2 weeks and for a month in the fridge. This timeline is just a rough estimate and could be all tentative by all means.
There are also pristine ways to store oranges which could be a foolproof way to elongate their shelf life. They are quite weak when kept at room temperature for a long time, as they soon attract all the bacterias that breed in the atmosphere.
This article will ponder over many prospects related to the durability of oranges and the best way to store them. Let us quickly get to the details.
How Long Do Oranges Last?
There could be no accurate timeline for this; the answer depends on how you store them or what kind of temperature you maintain when preserving oranges. If oranges are kept out longer than 2 weeks, they can shrink and lose their flavor.
Oranges last for about a week or two at room temperature. In the fridge, it can last up to a month without any problem. Freezing will be the right approach if you want to prolong their stay.
If you freeze it the right way, then there is a high chance you may retain the orange for up to 6 months.
Do Oranges Go Bad In The Fridge?
Of course, oranges go bad in the fridge. Suppose you keep the orange in the fridge for more than 4 weeks. You can consider the oranges good enough to be thrown. They radiate an off smell, and a mild sniff of it is going to reveal their deplorable condition.
If you do want to keep it for a longer time, then freezing the oranges could help. Although, you need to be sure that there is no invasion of moisture.
How Do You Know If Oranges Are Good?
Oranges are juicy and tender when they are fresh. They have a perfect balance of sweetness and tanginess that makes the oranges look good. They are smooth with a texture that is considered to be rich and glowy.
There is also a crunchy surface that makes the oranges look shiny and soft. If there is any spotting of bruises, discoloration, or wrinkles in the oranges, just throw it off.
If molds or a whiff of bad smell exist, the oranges are not good enough to be consumed.
How To Tell If Oranges Are Bad?
We can tell oranges are bad with all our faculties working properly. They are simple to be identified and are quite conspicuous.
1. Visual
A normal look at the orange would tell you that oranges have gone bad. If they look pale and discolored with possible signs of mold, the oranges are bad enough to be thrown out.
2. Texture
If the touch of the orange makes you feel mushy and hard, then they are bad. If they are slimy, then you have to throw them out.
3. Smell
If the odor is rancid, and there is an off smell, then oranges have definitely gone bad.
How To Store Oranges?
If it is not very hot, you can store whole oranges at room temperature for about a week. If you want to prolong the shelf life of oranges, then keep them in the refrigerator. If the temperature is above 70 degrees, it is better placed in the refrigerator immediately.
Keeping Oranges At Room Temperature
Oranges can be stored in a bowl or a netted basket where there is a permissible space for air to flow. If there is an airflow with the fruits, they can be kept on the kitchen counter for a week.
Storing Oranges In The Refrigerator
The oranges can be stored in the refrigerator by removing the plastic cover. You can wrap it in a mesh bag and keep it for days. The oranges can be kept in the middle drawer where the temperature is nominal and tolerable.
There should be airflow, possibly the only way for the oranges to keep their shelf life longer. The mesh bag will allow open air to flow on the oranges.
Storing Cut Pieces Of Oranges
Cut pieces of oranges have shorter shelf life than whole oranges. The flavor and texture of oranges tend to go bad as time fizzles out. The oranges should not be washed or kept wet, which would invariably attract mold and bacteria to the surface.
Cut oranges can be stored in an airtight container and kept away from moisture. It should be stored in a clean place where there can be no access to insects or bugs whatsoever.
How Do You Extend The Shelf Life Of An Orange?
Freezing the oranges elongates their shelf life for up to 6 months without any problem. They can be frozen as a whole orange with a rind to evade any eventual spoilage.
One thing you have to make up your mind about frozen oranges is that they will have a changed texture which will make them eligible for usage in smoothies, gravies, and juices.
How Do You Store Cut Oranges?
Cut or peeled oranges can be kept on the kitchen counter for not more than two hours. Beyond that, they may go bad irreversibly. They can be stored in the fridge by wrapping them in a plastic cover or placing them in an airtight container.
The cut orange should not be washed and can be stored in the fridge with the above arrangements for 2 days.
How Do You Freeze Whole Oranges?
- Take the oranges with the rind.
- Wash them clearly and keep them out enough to dry.
- Make sure they are dry and wrap them in a freezer bag.
- Suck the air out of the freezer bag and vacuum press it until all the air is out.
- Place it in the freezer.
- Make sure you don’t pile up anything on the orange and keep it separate and isolated.
Conclusion
Oranges are a healthy fruit that also enjoys the reputation of being a tasty snack that people enjoy occasionally. However, it is important to know how long oranges retain their quality.
If you keep them longer and allow them to vegetate for some time, they may turn bad, rendering themselves useless. This article will explain in detail the durability of oranges and the storage procedure that is deemed important while preserving oranges.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
How long do oranges last?
Oranges last for about a week or two at room temperature. In the fridge, it can last up to a month without any problem. Freezing will be the right approach if you want to prolong their stay.
Do oranges go bad in the fridge?
Of course, oranges go bad in the fridge. Suppose you keep the orange in the fridge for more than 4 weeks. You can consider the oranges good enough to be thrown. They radiate an off smell, and a mild sniff of it is going to reveal their deplorable condition.
How do you know if oranges are good?
Oranges are juicy and tender when they are fresh. They have a perfect balance of sweetness and tanginess that makes the oranges look good. They are smooth with a texture that is considered to be rich and glowy.
How to tell if oranges are bad?
A normal look at the orange would tell you that oranges have gone bad. If they look pale and discolored with possible signs of mold, the oranges are bad enough to be thrown out. If the touch of the orange makes you feel mushy and hard, then they are bad. If they are slimy, then you have to throw them out.
How do you extend the shelf life of oranges?
Freezing the oranges elongates their shelf life for up to 6 months without any problem. They can be frozen as a whole orange with a rind to evade any eventual spoilage.
