When it comes to food storage and safety, it can be difficult to figure everything out, especially when it comes to products. Some fruits, such as berries and grapes, must necessarily be stored in the refrigerator, while others, such as bananas and tomatoes, are best stored on the counter. Others, such as cantaloupes, mangoes and pears, can be used in any case. Wondering where are citrus fruits like oranges located? We interviewed several experts to find out the best tips for keeping oranges fresh.
Meet the experts
- Tara Collingwood, MS, RDN, a sports nutritionist based in Orlando, Florida.
- Jacqueline Gomes, RD, MBA, Registered Dietitian & Books » 52 Weekly Healthy Habit Followers” author
Should oranges be stored in the refrigerator?
Whether oranges should be stored in the refrigerator depends on how quickly you plan to use them. If you plan to eat them quickly, within 1-2 days, both of our experts agree that storing them at room temperature is perfectly appropriate.
“You don’t have to store oranges in the fridge right away,” says Collingwood. If you plan to eat them in a week, they can be stored on the counter. They’ll actually be tastier because they’re a little sweeter at room temperature.”
Still, if you want to keep oranges longer — about two to three weeks or even up to a month — before eating them fresh or using them for a cake or smoothie, it’s best to store them in the refrigerator. This will help slow down ripening and keep them fresh longer.
“Oranges need to be stored in the refrigerator so they don’t lose moisture and retain their texture and flavor,” Gomes says. “Since they are harvested at the height of ripeness, they usually do not need to ripen further after buying them. To keep them fresh, the most important thing is to keep them cold for as long as possible.”
How to store oranges
If you plan to store oranges at room temperature for a day or two, make sure they are stored in a cool, dry place and away from direct sunlight. “A fruit bowl or an open basket is perfect because they can breathe,” says Collingwood.
If you store oranges in the refrigerator, Collingwood advises storing them in a fragile drawer and storing them in a ventilated bag or a well-ventilated container that circulates air. “This helps prevent mold from forming,” she says. “You want them to stay fresh, not wet.”
Gomes also warns against washing oranges in advance, as this will speed up the spoilage process. Instead, plan to wash them immediately before eating. “Even though you’ll only be eating the pulp, it’s a good idea to wash them off quickly to get rid of dirt, pesticides, or bacteria that may be on the skin,” says Collingwood.
And whether on the counter or in the refrigerator, be sure to store oranges separately from fruits that release ethylene, such as apples and bananas, as this can speed up the process of ripening and spoilage. Potatoes and citrus fruits should also be stored separately, Collingwood says, because potatoes release moisture that can cause oranges to mold faster. “If you don’t want your fruit salad to turn into porridge too quickly, give it some space,” she says.
How long can oranges be stored?
Oranges can be stored at room temperature for several days, and sometimes they last for up to a week.
In the refrigerator, oranges can be stored for up to a month. “The cold slows down the ripening process, so they will last much longer there,” says Collingwood.
Sliced oranges should be stored in the refrigerator in an airtight container and enjoyed within 2-3 days, says Gomes.
Signs of spoilage of oranges
Not sure if your oranges can be eaten? Collingwood and Gomes recommend paying attention to the following signs of malfunction:
- Soft, crumpled or plump areas
- Dark spots or discoloration
- wrinkled cuticle (this indicates that the orange is starting to dry)
- Molds (can be white, green or blue)
- Leaked juice
- Sour or strange smell
