How can oranges be stored for a long time? Do oranges need to be stored in the refrigerator?

Contents of this article

1. How to store oranges for a long time

2. Do oranges need to be stored in the refrigerator?

3. What happens if you eat moldy oranges?

How to store oranges for a long time

If you want oranges to last longer, it is best to store them in a well-ventilated place.

Oranges contain a lot of water and sugar. If they are sealed or kept at high temperatures, fermentation reactions will easily occur, and bacteria on the surface will easily cause corruption. Therefore, it is best to store them at low temperatures. They can also be stored in the refrigerator when the weather is hot. In places close to the production area, such as Sichuan and Chongqing, oranges can be stored in the refrigerator for 2 to 3 months, while oranges shipped to the north can only be stored in the refrigerator for about 1 month due to the inevitable bumps during transportation. In addition, if oranges are stored for a long time, they will easily lose water, taste worse, and rot and deteriorate, so it is recommended to purchase them in moderation according to your own situation.

Do oranges need to be stored in the refrigerator?

No, just store it in a cool, dry, dark place.

The peel of oranges is thin, and the sugar and water content are high. If oranges are stored in the refrigerator, the oil on the skin will easily penetrate into the flesh in a low temperature environment, causing the flesh to become bitter. Oranges are generally best stored at room temperature of about 13°C. In addition, oranges are fruits that are prone to rot. When storing them, use kitchen paper to wipe off the moisture on the surface and pick out the bad oranges to avoid affecting the overall storage time. Because oranges are not resistant to storage, they are not only prone to rot if stored for a long time, but their taste will also change, so it is recommended to eat them within 3-5 days.

What happens if you eat moldy oranges?

Eating moldy oranges can cause physical discomfort, including vomiting, dizziness, and weakness in the limbs at the mildest, and food poisoning at the worst.

A mold called Penicillium will grow on the surface of moldy oranges, which will produce toxins. Oranges are prone to Penicillium growth when exposed to moisture. Although oranges are protected by their skin and have a longer shelf life than other fruits, if they are placed in a humid place, their skin will begin to breed bacteria and mold, which will affect your health if you eat them.

It is recommended to look at the color of the orange peel when choosing oranges. If the orange peel is orange-yellow and shiny, it proves that the orange is healthy and fresh. If the orange is soft when pinched and juice oozes out of the skin, it proves that the inside of the orange is rotten or moldy. Do not eat such rotten oranges.