| Pantry | Refrigerator | Freezer | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Whole | 5-7 Days | 1-2 Weeks | 12 Months |
Shelf Life of Oranges:
The shelf life of oranges and mandarins are same, as both are citrus fruits from the same family. They can last for up to three weeks if picked directly from a tree. When buying them from a store, then obviously their life reduces to 1-2 weeks. If kept in the refrigerator, they can be consumed for up to 1-2 months. However, just like mandarins, if you have cut them, or if they are in the refrigerator, they can last for 1-2 days. They are rich in juice and so are delicate, so their shelf life must be considered if you want to enjoy their fresh taste.
Purchasing Oranges:
Special care must be taken if you must buy oranges, which are juicier and more tasteful. There must not be any damage or bruises on the skin of oranges. Their skin should be tight and fairly smooth. Select the fruit that seems heavier than its physical size. For cutting, they will have pulp indulged in their juice and not having separate and dry looking pieces. Canned oranges are not a problem to buy, as all you need to check is its best-before date.
Storing Oranges:
They can be stored at room temperature for up to 7 days. If they are to be kept in the refrigerator, they must be kept unwashed and in a plastic container or bag through which air can be passed. Otherwise, they will become rotten. In the fridge, they can be stored for weeks. They must be placed away from any meaty item because it can change the taste of both items. If storing at room temperature, they must be washed and dried so that their skin remains fresh. Canned oranges can be used up to their best-before date and can be stored in a plastic container after opening. Commercial growers can store oranges for up to 3-8 weeks. They can be stored using syrups, containers, or dry packs.
Handling Oranges:
To have a long life, freezing oranges is not recommended, as it will degrade the taste. Instead, they can be covered in a sugar syrup and placed in an airtight container, so they can be frozen and stored for up to one year or so. Washing them thoroughly under running water while rubbing them cleans their skin and removes bacteria and dirt, as bacteria can be transferred while peeling, cutting or getting juice. If you must store them in the refrigerator, you can wash them first. They must be washed with only water, so refrain from using any detergent or soap. If you are storing them in some utensil, those utensils can be washed and cleansed using chlorine with a teaspoon of it in 1 quarter of water. Place them gently wherever you want.
Cooking With Oranges:
Because oranges are a refreshing treat for everyone, multiple dishes can be made out of them; jams, jellies, and marmalades are the most common. If you want to make homemade jams, oranges can be the best ingredient in making them give your breakfast a kick start. Their zest can be added to many desserts to enhance the taste of the dish easily. They can be added to many drinks, as well. Candied orange zest is used to make marmalades. Orange sorbet and orange chicken salad are the easy dishes that can be made. They are used as toppings in many cakes, as well.