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Nowadays, oranges are not a scarce product, so not all housewives know how to keep them fresh for several months. But, there are times when you just need to make a reserve. These citrus fruits are less demanding on storage conditions than many other fruits. Let's look at how to store oranges so that they remain fresh for a long time.
Storage selection rules
To preserve oranges for as long as possible, you should choose your fruit responsibly. What to pay attention to:
- Appearance. Select specimens without mechanical damage, clean, fresh, with an evenly cut stalk. It is acceptable for it to fall away, but not to be torn out “with meat.”
- The degree of elasticity of tropical fruits. When they are overripe or stale, the skin does not return to its original shape when you press on the orange. For storage, you should purchase unripe hard specimens.
- Aroma. If the fruits were stored correctly, they do not have a characteristic odor. A citrus aroma is exuded by specimens that have been lying in a warm room for a long time. Such fruits are not suitable for storage.
- Size.Experts recommend buying medium-sized fruits with thin, smooth skin for storage. They last longer than larger oranges, which have a porous surface but less sweet flesh. Large fruits do not store as well.
- Weight. Ripe berries are heavier than unripe fruits. You should get your bearings by comparing the weight and size of the fruit; if the ratio is not in favor of the orange, it means it has already withered or is not yet ripe.
- Peel color. When it is expected that oranges will be stored for no more than 14 days, ripened bright orange specimens can be taken. If you choose fruits for longer storage, you should give preference to light yellow oranges.
If you will use not only the pulp of the berries, but also the skin, you must avoid purchasing fruits with a too glossy surface. These citrus fruits are treated with preservative wax. Before use, they will have to be washed in hot water with a brush.
Preparing oranges for storage
Subtleties of preparing citrus fruits for storage:
- The fruits are inspected and damaged or rotten specimens are rejected.
- The fruits are sorted by skin color and size. Small berries with light yellow skin last longer.
- If the oranges are going to be stored in the cellar, each one is greased with vegetable oil.
- Berries that will be stored in the refrigerator are treated with an alcohol solution.
- Each fruit is wrapped in white paper or a napkin.
Bags are not suitable for this purpose, since citrus fruits quickly begin to rot due to lack of air.
Temperature and shelf life of oranges
The shelf life depends on the variety and degree of ripeness of the fruit:
- Not fully ripened fruits will last at least five months at a temperature of 5-6ᵒC.
- Citruses with a yellow color are stored at a temperature of 2-4ᵒC.
- Fully ripened ones can be stored at room temperature for up to seven days. The shelf life of oranges in the refrigerator is up to one month.
- Ripe fruits will remain fresh longer if kept at a temperature of +1-2ᵒC.
The shelf life of oranges according to GOST at air temperatures from +2 to +6ᵒС and relative humidity of 85-90% ranges from a week to two months.
Even if all recommendations are followed, the percentage of vitamins in fruits becomes less every day
Where and how to store oranges at home
General recommendations and conditions for storing oranges:
- Do not keep in the sun, the fruits lose their beneficial properties. The best place for storage is a refrigerator, dark pantry, cellar.
- Citrus fruits must be kept separate from other fruits, as they release growth hormones that accelerate ripening and rotting.
- Semi-green fruits are placed in cardboard boxes and kept in the apartment. Ripe ones are sent to the cellar for storage.
- You cannot put fruits in plastic containers or plastic bags. Condensation forms in them, which causes rotting.
When storing oranges for a long time, they are regularly reviewed, removing spoiled specimens.
If condensation appears on the citrus, wipe it with a soft, dry cloth.
At room temperature
At room temperature, oranges can be stored from seven days to one month. You can buy slightly unripe fruits. How to prepare for storage:
- Each berry is wrapped in a paper napkin.
- Place them in a cardboard box or paper bag.
- The container with the product is placed in a dark, cool room.
Inventories are reviewed every few days. If rot appears, the fruits are removed before they infect nearby berries.
Storing oranges in the refrigerator
Both ripe and unripe citrus fruits are stored well in the refrigerator.
Algorithm of actions:
- Selected fruits are placed in a compartment for storing vegetables.
- Set the temperature in the refrigerator to +3ᵒC.
- Semi-green fruits are wrapped in a napkin and placed in a paper bag. Place separately from ripe ones.
- Every 3-4 days, oranges are taken out of the refrigerator and kept in a warm room for two hours. They are then sent back to the bottom shelf.
Under such conditions, fruits retain their marketability and taste for 30 days.
In the cellar
For long-term storage, a cellar is best suited. But you should ensure a constant temperature in the room within 0...+8ᵒC, as well as humidity at 80-85%. In addition, condensation on the walls is unacceptable in the basement, and ventilation must work properly.
Secrets of preserving oranges:
- Ripe fruits are placed in plastic boxes or wicker baskets.
- Semi-ripe fruits are each wrapped in a napkin and placed in containers, which must have holes for air circulation.
- In the cellar, the box is placed on the middle rack.
In this form, the berries are stored for two months. After 10-14 days, stocks are reviewed.
The fruits gradually ripen and are stored for 5-6 months.
In the freezer
Semi-finished products for making confectionery are stored in the freezer.
To make the jam thicker, it is recommended to use thick-skinned varieties of oranges.
How to prepare and store semi-finished citrus fruit products:
- The berries are washed with a brush to remove the wax coating.
- The fruits are boiled over low heat for two hours.
- When the product has cooled, it is cut into four parts.
- Remove seeds and fibers.
- Oranges are passed through a meat grinder.
- Place the mixture on the fire and bring to a boil. Boil for five minutes.
- Grind the puree through a sieve and leave to cool.
- The cold mass is placed in bags. In each bag they put as much product as is needed for one serving of making a pie or other culinary delight.
This preparation can be kept in the freezer for up to one year.
Conclusion
To store oranges for a long time, you need to follow a few simple rules. The main thing is to ensure temperature and humidity in the room, and do not put fruit in plastic containers or plastic bags.
