Learn how to store oranges the right way with this simple tutorial! Whether on the countertop, in the fridge, or in the freezer, this post will guide you through keeping them sweet, juicy, and ready for smoothies, stir-fries, mimosas, and more.
Did you know there are over 39 types of oranges? This sweet and tangy fruit is full of antioxidants like vitamin C. It can be added to a myriad of delicious orange recipes, both sweet and savory. Knowing how to store oranges correctly means less food waste, fewer nutrients lost, and more flavors saved!
How Long Do Oranges Last?
The length of time oranges last completely depends on if they’re kept whole or cut and where they’re stored. 6-7 days is about the maximum amount of time whole oranges will last at room temperature. In the fridge, oranges will stay fresh for about a month. In the freezer, you can stretch it out to almost a year.
How to store oranges
While oranges do look pretty in a bowl on the counter, they are best kept cold! To extend their shelf life, follow the tips below for both fridge and freezer options.
Fridge (whole)
Add whole oranges to a mesh produce bag, then keep them in the crisper drawer of your fridge. You don’t want to store them too high in the fridge otherwise, you run the risk of them par-freezing!
If stored this way, whole oranges will last for up to a month in the fridge. If you prefer room-temperature oranges, bring them out on the counter for 20-30 minutes prior to eating.
Fridge (cut)
Whole oranges will last longer, but if you end up with too many wedges or supremes, add them to an airtight container. They will lose their juiciness and flavor quicker than whole oranges, so it’s important to keep them in cling wrap or an airtight container.
Cut oranges will last in the fridge for up to 6-7 days. As with whole oranges, keep them lower down and towards the front of your fridge to prevent accidental freezing.
Freezer (whole)
Much like the fridge, whole oranges will last much longer than cut oranges in the freezer. Add them to a freezer-safe bag with a date label, remove the air, and store them in the freezer for up to 11-12 months.
Let them thaw on the counter before eating them. The freshness and nutrient content will reduce over time, but it’s a great way to extend their life (especially if you buy a large haul)!
Freezer (cut)
If your oranges are already cut open, don’t worry! Remove the peel from the wedges and freeze them for 2-3 hours on a baking tray. Once they are solid, transfer them to a freezer bag with the date written on the label.
You can also squeeze the juice into ice cube trays or popsicle molds, especially if you will be using them for smoothies, juices, and cocktails. They will last for at least a few months this way.
Tips for storing oranges
Whether storing whole or cut oranges, here are some basic tips and tricks to ensure they stay fresh for longer:
- Temperature: Oranges do much better at colder temperatures. Avoid keeping them out on the countertop, especially if it is an area of your house that’s warm and in direct sunlight. If you won’t be eating them within a few days, pop those babies in the fridge!
- Wetness: It’s important to keep your oranges dry as wet oranges will mold much faster. If they have some condensation on them from the store, dry them off before storing them.
- Ripeness: Citrus fruits, like oranges, don’t continue ripening after they’re harvested. Look for oranges that are the perfect ripeness for optimal storage. Check out our how to cut oranges post for more tips on picking the best fruits.
How to Tell When Oranges Are Bad
Here are the telltale signs of oranges that need to be composted:
- Shriveled peels
- Bruising
- Mushy spots
- Mold
- Foul smell
Fresh oranges are firm to the touch when you give them a gentle squeeze. Anything more and your orange may have met its maker!
Recipes with oranges
You know what they say — When life gives you oranges, make mimosas (at least I think that’s how it goes?). In any case, this vitamin C-packed fruit can be used in a wide variety of recipes, from sweet to savory. Here are just a few ideas to get you started:
- Healthy Orange Dreamsicle Smoothie
- Orange Chia Seed Breakfast Pudding
- Almond Orange Smoothie Bowl
- Campfire Orange Rolls
- 15 Minute Buddha Bowls
- Cranberry Orange Sweet Rolls
Ingredients
- 1 whole orange
Instructions
Fridge (whole)
- Add whole oranges to a mesh produce bag, then keep them in the crisper drawer of your fridge. You don’t want to store them too high in the fridge otherwise, you run the risk of them par-freezing!
- If stored this way, whole oranges will last for up to a month in the fridge. If you prefer room-temperature oranges, bring them out on the counter for 20-30 minutes prior to eating.
Fridge (cut)
- Whole oranges will last longer, but if you end up with too many wedges or supremes, add them to an airtight container. They will lose their juiciness and flavor quicker than whole oranges, so it’s important to keep them in cling wrap or an airtight container.
- Cut oranges will last in the fridge for up to 6-7 days. As with whole oranges, keep them lower down and towards the front of your fridge to prevent accidental freezing.
Freezer (whole)
- Much like the fridge, whole oranges will last much longer than cut oranges in the freezer. Add them to a freezer-safe bag with a date label, remove the air, and store them in the freezer for up to 11-12 months.
- Let them thaw on the counter before eating them. The freshness and nutrient content will reduce over time, but it’s a great way to extend their life (especially if you buy a large haul)!
Freezer (cut)
- If your oranges are already cut open, don’t worry! Remove the peel from the wedges and freeze them for 2-3 hours on a baking tray. Once they are solid, transfer them to a freezer bag with the date written on the label.
- You can also squeeze the juice into ice cube trays or popsicle molds, especially if you will be using them for smoothies, juices, and cocktails. They will last for at least a few months this way.
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