Rich in vitamin C and potassium, this citrus fruit is probably your go-to when you have a cold. Or maybe you just enjoy some fresh orange juice in the morning.
Whatever your use for oranges is, there may come a time when you start to worry about the shelf life.
Imagine that you pick up an orange that you purchased some time ago, and you ponder: “Has my orange spoiled? How much time does it stay fresh?”
Here’s the deal: like all fruits, oranges can go bad. They will last about 10-14 days at room temperature and possibly up to a month when refrigerated.
How To Know If Oranges Have Gone Bad
When your oranges start to spoil, there are several signs to look out for.
Firstly, your oranges will become soft and develop a while mold. It won’t be long until the mold turns green and starts to spread across the surface of the fruit. To be safe, discard your oranges when they become soft and mushy to the touch.
Another sign is a change in the color of your oranges. Look out for lighter or darker patches on your fruit. These discolored spots tell you that your oranges have gone bad.
If your oranges start to smell sour, rotten, or fermented, this is an indication that they have gone bad. In this case, the oranges should not be consumed.
How To Store Oranges
There are two options when it comes to storing your oranges.
You can keep them at room temperature in the pantry or kitchen. This allows for juicier fruit, but they won’t last very long.
The next option is to store them in the fridge for a longer shelf-life without the extra juiciness. If you have cut open and peeled your oranges, store them in the fridge as well.
Thinking about freezing your oranges to make them last longer? Well, freezing whole oranges won’t work due to their high-water content. It will leave you with a mushy orange. Instead, peel and section your oranges before freezing them. Also, remove the seeds from the fruit. Wrap them in an airtight package or container for best results.
The Shelf Life Of Oranges
On average, oranges last 10-14 days at room temperature and up to 21 to 30 days in the fridge. Cut oranges last only 2-4 days in the fridge, as they tend to dry out quicker.
The Verdict
Oranges have certainly made their mark. You may even be surprised to know that the orange color was named after the fruit. Before that, the color was called yellow-red.
When it comes to shelf life, oranges are like any other fruit. They should be consumed within two weeks or a month, if refrigerated. Because these numbers are estimates, you always want to keep an eye out for any signs of spoilage when it comes to your oranges. You may think they are in good condition, but it is possible that they spoiled prematurely.
