This is how to preserve oranges to maintain nutrients and save money

Don’t we all love oranges! Not only are they sweet and delicious, but you can eat them peacefully knowing that they are packed with vitamin C and tons of other nutrients that contribute to your overall health and well-being.

Buying oranges in bulk especially when they are in season saves you a few extra bucks however, they can quickly get spoilt — how frustrating! The good news is, there are easy solutions to this problem.

This article will cover practical tips on how you can preserve oranges to maintain their taste and nutrients for a longer period of time. You won’t want to miss this — keep reading to find out how.

1. Check if the oranges are ripe

Preserving oranges begins right at the point of purchase. Think about it… if you don’t pick the best oranges, no preservation technique will make it taste better or last longer. So, before you grab the closest orange from the grocery shelf into your shopping basket or cart, check for ripeness. Here are some tips on what to look out for:

• A normal, bright, and consistent color all around.
• A slightly bumpy texture and a thin, smooth skin.
• A sweet and citrusy aroma when you smell it.
• Feels heavy (heavy = lots of juice) in your palms.

2. Keep the oranges dry

Keeping your oranges dry is an effective way to preserve and keep them fresh for longer periods of time. Oranges are a great source of Vitamin C, but they are also susceptible to mold and spoilage if not stored properly. Keep your oranges dry with these easy tips:

• Wipe your oranges dry with a paper towel if they feel wet from the grocery store.
• Another option is to store them in a breathable paper or mesh bag (avoid sealed plastic bags at all costs).

This method of preservation (in addition to tips 3 and 4) keeps oranges fresh for up to one week. Remember — only wash your oranges right before you consume them.

3. Avoid exposing oranges to direct sunlight

When oranges are exposed to direct sunlight, they become dehydrated and lose some of their flavor. The heat from the sun can also cause the oranges to spoil more quickly. So be careful not to place your oranges near your kitchen windows or close to your light source, heaters, or radiators.

Oranges last longer under room temperature. To preserve your oranges and maintain their nutrients, store them in a cool, dark place away from direct sunlight. This can be achieved by placing them in a fruit bowl or container on a shaded countertop, or by storing them in a pantry or cupboard that is not exposed to sunlight.

4. Keep oranges away from other fruits and vegetables

The biggest mistake you can make with food preservation is storing fruits and vegetables too close together. As they ripen, they give off ethylene gas which can cause oranges to mature and spoil faster.

Foods that produce the highest amounts of ethylene include bananas, apples, pears, avocados, tomatoes, and cantaloupes. So remember to keep your oranges separate from other fruits and vegetables you have in stock.

It's also important to check your oranges regularly for any signs of spoilage. If you notice any mold or soft spots on any of them, it's best to discard it immediately so it doesn’t contaminate the other oranges.

5. Store oranges in the fridge

Place your oranges in the crisper drawer of your fridge. The crisper drawer is designed to keep fruits and vegetables fresh for longer periods by controlling humidity and temperature.

When storing oranges in the crisper drawer, it’s important to avoid overcrowding them. Overcrowding can lead to moisture buildup, which can promote the growth of mold and bacteria, causing the oranges to spoil quickly.

By using this preservation method, oranges can be stored and kept fresh for about one month.

6. Freeze the oranges

When it comes to freezing oranges, you have many options. You can either choose to freeze them whole, in slices, wedges, or as a juice. This method of storage is perfect if you plan to use the orange's juice or zest, rather than eating it raw.

With this preservation method, oranges can stay fresh for a period of three to four months.

Conclusion

By following these simple tips, you can enjoy fresh and nutritious oranges for longer periods. So don’t be afraid to buy oranges in bulk especially when they are in season. What is your favorite orange preservation method? Drop it in the comments below!

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