How and where to store oranges correctly?

Average shelf life for oranges after purchase is two weeks… Unlike tangerines, these citrus fruits can be kept at room temperature for a while. The best way to preserve the freshness of the oranges is a special compartment in the refrigerator (in modern models, this compartment, as a rule, is a drawer with a picture of fruit).

At room temperature, oranges have a shelf life of one week. Citrus fruits do not like light and sun rays, so it is better to place them in a dark and as cool place as possible. The average storage temperature for oranges is considered to be from +3 to +8 degrees. Adjustments can be made with citrus varieties. There are certain species that differ in the longest shelf life or, conversely, that can deteriorate in a short period of time.

There is no particular difference in storing oranges in or out of the refrigerator. The term is almost identical in both the first and second options. You can prolong the safety of oranges by alternating storage in the cold and at room temperature: if the citrus is in the refrigerator for a day, then it should be in a less chilled place for several hours, and then it is returned back to the cold.

Effect of temperature on the shelf life of oranges:

• +2 degrees – from two weeks to two months;
• + 2-4 degrees – yellow oranges are stored for several months;
• + 5-6 degrees – unripe oranges can be stored for almost five months.

The nuances of storing oranges

If you plan to store oranges for a long time, then you need to prepare the fruits in advance. There are several rules and nuances due to which citrus fruits will not lose their marketable appearance and will not violate the taste properties:

• for storing oranges, it is better to use cardboard boxes or wrap each fruit in paper;
• it is impossible to keep oranges in polyethylene in any case (from a lack of air and the creation of humid conditions, citrus fruits quickly deteriorate and rot);
• when the storage temperature drops sharply, the orange may become tasteless;
• oranges, wrapped in ordinary napkins, are well preserved;
• if oranges are planned to be stored in the refrigerator for a long time, then periodically they must be left at room temperature;
• placing oranges in close proximity to other fruits or food is not recommended (products can absorb the smell of an orange, and the citrus itself can deteriorate under the influence of components that accelerate the decay process);
• if oranges are stored in large quantities, then periodically it is necessary to inspect the fruits (if dark spots appear on the surface of citrus fruits, the fruits must be disassembled);
• if it is known in advance that oranges will have to be stored for a long time, then it is better to buy citrus fruits that are not too ripe (in this case, they will have to be stored in a dark place at room temperature, such oranges will not ripen in the refrigerator);
• Vegetable oil can extend the shelf life of oranges by rubbing lightly on the skin (this method can be used with all citrus fruits).

Oranges are not uncommon in modern stores. There is no point in buying citrus fruits for storage at home for several months. It is recommended to do this no more than four weeks. During this time, the citrus will not deteriorate or dry out, retaining its taste. Long shelf life implies some difficulties in maintaining the required air temperatures and humidity levels.