Oranges are hands-down, one of the most popular choices of fruits in the market. Due to their exquisite taste, oranges also play a significant role in many exotic cuisine cultures around the world.
But, have you ever wondered: How long do Oranges last? Typically, fresh Oranges kept at room temperature can last for about 5-7day. On the other hand, refrigerated Oranges can stay fresh for up to 3-4 weeks.
Here is a brief look at how long fresh and cooked oranges last with different storage methods.
| Types of Oranges | Pantry | Fridge | Freezer |
| Fresh | 5-7 days | 3-4 weeks | 10-12 months |
| Cooked | 3-4 hours | 3-4 days | 10-12 months |
What are the nutritional benefits of Oranges?
Some of the most convincing nutritional benefits of Oranges are as follows:
- Carbs: Carbs and water are the primary components of Oranges. They help boost your energy level.
- Fiber: Oranges are also a good source of fiber. They are mainly effective for improving digestion.
- Vitamin C: Oranges are rich in vitamin C, which can help reduce inflammation and also boost metabolism.
- Citric acid: Oranges contain citric acid in large quantities. They may help prevent kidney stones.
- Blood Cholesterol: Experts believe the combination of fiber and flavonoid in oranges can help reduce blood cholesterol levels significantly.
How to tell if an Orange goes bad?
Detecting a bad Orange isn’t complicated. Here are some of the most common indications of an Orange gone bad.
- Discolored skin: Discoloration is the easiest way to tell that an Orange has gone bad. The peel usually displays a distinctive dark brown/black spots.
- Inconsistent shape: Fresh Oranges are usually a perfect sphere. An inconsistent shape usually means the Orange has either gone bad or is on the verge of spoilage.
- Smell: Bad Oranges usually tend to have a strong sour and fermented odor.
How to store Oranges properly to extend shelf life?
As mentioned earlier, the best way to increase the Orange shelf life is to store them properly.
The simplest solution is to keep the Oranges in a refrigerator or a freezer. However, there are also some additional storage techniques you can use.
Making marmalade is perhaps the simplest way to extend the shelf life of Oranges. To do this, you can simply boil the orange (including the peel) with sugar and pour them into a jar and store.
You could also cut the Oranges into thin slices. Stack them in a jar. Pour sugar syrup on each layer and place it in a refrigerator.
Lastly, you can also extend the Orange shelf life by drying it. You can either dry Oranges in the sun or by using a dehydrator. After they dry out completely, you can place them in an airtight container and use them whenever required.
Can you freeze oranges?
Technically, Yes! You can freeze Oranges.
Freezing Oranges is one of the most effective methods to increase their shelf life.
However, freezing Oranges come at the cost of texture reduction. Frozen Oranges tend to lose their authentic sweetness.
Thus, freezing Oranges are only recommended for specific situations like making juice or smoothies.
Conclusion:
Oranges are easily one of the most adored fruits due to their juicy and unique citrusy flavor.
However, they are also extremely versatile. The only concern is understanding how to preserve their freshness for as long as possible. Luckily, with all the information above, you should be able to do exactly that with ease!
References:
- https://gardenerthumb.com/how-long-do-oranges-last/
- https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/foods/oranges#benefits
- https://www.stilltasty.com/fooditems/index/17845
- https://beezzly.com/home/organizing/how-long-do-oranges-last
