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You can store tangerines at home on an insulated balcony, in a cellar, in a refrigerator or in a pantry. The temperature should be no more than +8 °C, and the humidity level should be about 80%. Choose a place that is dark and well ventilated. In such conditions, citrus fruits remain for a maximum of 4–6 months. At the same time, they need to be periodically inspected in order to notice rotten or dried fruits in time and throw them away.
Varieties of tangerines for long-term storage
Abkhazian and Moroccan tangerines last the longest, as well as most hybrids: Clementine, Nadorcott, Unshiu, Calamondin, Rangpur, Mineola and others.
Varieties with long shelf life normally last up to 4–6 months (but no more). Turkish and Spanish varieties, on the contrary, spoil the fastest. They can be kept for no longer than 2–3 months. Therefore, they are pre-treated with wax or other means, which increases shelf life by 3-4 weeks.
Shelf life of tangerines
If all rules are observed (temperature, humidity, darkness, ventilation), fruits can be stored for four months.The maximum period is six months. During this time, it is possible to preserve citrus fruits of foreign varieties. After this, the tangerines dry out and may rot. They will lose their taste, beneficial composition, and presentation.
Storage temperature for tangerines
The optimal storage temperature for ripe tangerines is the range from 4 to 8 degrees Celsius. The relative humidity level in the room should be between 70–80%. A lower value will cause the tangerines to dry out. This will shorten the shelf life. If the air in the room is too humid, mold may appear on the surface, causing the fruit to rot.
Periodic or regular temperature changes will lead to a significant reduction in product life and spoilage.
During storage, it is necessary to monitor the fruits themselves. They are periodically turned over and checked to ensure there are no black spots, rot or mold. Affected specimens are immediately separated from the rest.
Where and how to store tangerines at home
At home, an insulated balcony, loggia or cellar is suitable for storing fruit. For a short period of time, tangerines can be placed in the refrigerator. In this case, direct contact with light should be avoided. The fruits are placed in a dark room or covered with thick cloth.
On the balcony
The balcony can be used to store tangerines, but only if it is sufficiently insulated (minimum temperature - 1-2 degrees Celsius). During the entire period, it is necessary to periodically ventilate the room, avoiding high humidity.
Tangerines are laid out in one layer in a wooden or plastic box. Then cover with a thick cloth to prevent sunlight from passing through.In this case, air should penetrate freely, so it is better to take material from natural materials. The boxes are placed as far as possible from the window, especially if it is not airtight (there are cracks through which the cold wind blows). If these rules are followed, citrus fruits can last from 3 to 4 months.
In room conditions
Tangerines can be stored at room temperature for no more than a week.
Usually the air in the apartment is dry, so the fruits begin to lose moisture. Without observing storage conditions, tangerines can be kept in small quantities. It is necessary to focus on the fact that a healthy person can eat no more than three fruits per day.
In the cellar
The cellar is also suitable for storing citrus fruits in winter. They can be laid in different ways:
- several layers in a box or container;
- on pallets;
- wrap in thin paper and place on top of each other.
If all requirements are met and the temperature does not rise above + 8 °C, the fruit can be preserved for four months. The advantages of a cellar are that this room is specially equipped to constantly maintain the same conditions (including humidity).
Unlike a balcony and a refrigerator, a large volume of fruits can be kept in a cellar for a long time - tens and hundreds of kilograms
It is necessary to periodically check the condition of the crop in order to promptly notice spoiled specimens.
Can tangerines be stored in the refrigerator?
You can store citrus fruits in the refrigerator in different containers:
- in a cardboard box;
- in a plastic bag (if there are many holes there);
- in the fruit and vegetable drawer (at the bottom). In this case, tangerines should be kept separate from them.
Before storing, all fruits must be checked for dryness. The presence of even small drops will lead to rotting.If the conditions are met, citrus fruits can be stored for a maximum of four weeks. After this, they will begin to dry out, and the taste will deteriorate.
After defrosting, they are eaten immediately. You can eat it fresh, prepare compote, baked goods and other dishes.
Storing unripe tangerines
If the fruits are green, they must be sorted in advance according to the degree of immaturity:
- Greens are small (up to a third of the surface): such fruits are stored at low temperatures (2–3 degrees Celsius) and high humidity (90%).
- The fruits are almost green (more than 50%): the temperature should be 4–6 degrees Celsius, and the humidity should be about 80%.
Unlike many other fruits, citrus fruits do not ripen during storage. Under the conditions described, they will remain green. Before using or preparing the preparations, you just need to put them in a warm place (at room temperature) and keep them for several days until they are completely ripe.
How are tangerines processed to increase shelf life?
To increase shelf life, fruits are treated with various means:
- Sunflower oil is odorless. It is best to take refined one.
- Beeswax.
- Ethylene (gas is supplied to bags of citrus fruits).
- Antifungal drugs.
- Products against fruit flies.
Fruits covered with an oily coating can be kept for four weeks longer than usual
Conclusion
You can store tangerines at home in the refrigerator (up to 1 month) or in the room (up to 7 days).In special cellars, the harvest can be kept for three to six months. The specific period depends not only on the conditions, but also on the characteristics of the variety itself. If you treat the surface with wax, the citrus fruits will remain for another 3-4 weeks.
