How long do citrus fruits like clementines or oranges last and why do tangerines mold so quickly? Regardless of whether you use the succulent natural products for baking, eating them whole or adding them to other recipes, it is important to know how long they last. In addition, it makes sense to recognize when a citrus fruit has gone bad. This makes it easier to ensure that you don't eat something spoiled and run any health risks. Luckily, there are some simple storage steps and tips you can follow to prevent mold or spoilage. Below you will find useful information to help you properly store your citrus fruits.
How long does it take for citrus fruits like oranges or tangerines to mold?
Most fruits have enzymes that continue to work throughout their shelf life, which can often result in browning, discoloration, and more. In addition, there isDanger of bacteria and mold, which may develop shortly after purchase. These microorganisms can essentially devour the fruit, and in the process they release more enzymes until you end up with a moldy, discolored, mushy-in-the-wrong-way orange, tangerine or clementine, rather than a firmer and fresh fruit with a smooth skin. Overall, smaller varieties such as tangerines last for 1 to 2 weeks, depending on the storage method. Many people leave their clementines at room temperature, where they can last for about 7 days.
Is storing it in the freezer or refrigerator recommended?
Many people aren't entirely sure whether you should store citrus fruits in the refrigerator or just leave them on the counter. The better the quality of the fruit and the fresher it is, the longer it will last. As you might guess, the shelf life of tangerines is similar to the shelf life of oranges, clementines, or the shelf life of a grapefruit. Citrus fruits should last up to 2 weeks in the refrigerator. While some people don't like the taste of cold clementines, storing them in a relatively cold and dark place like the refrigerator will help preserve their freshness and protect them from natural light.
If peeled but not eaten immediately, expect citrus fruits to be good for 1-2 days at room temperature and 2-4 days in the refrigerator. Without the fruit peel, they lack protection and can become soft and mushy more easily. But you shouldn't peel tangerines so far in advance anyway, as this is usually quick and easy. If you want to extend the shelf life of your clementines, consider placing them in the freezer. Citrus fruits like clementines last about 6 months to 1 year in the freezer.
How can you tell if tangerines are moldy or going bad?
When trying to determine if citrus fruit has gone bad, there are some signs to look for that may indicate that the fruit is no longer edible. Here's how to tell if a clementine has gone bad, for example:
- The skin or fruit peel is wrinkled.
- The fruit smells rotten or fermented.
- The fruits feel soft and mushy when touched.
Molds are microscopic organisms that live on plants or animals and are sometimes visible to the naked eye. These microorganisms release spores that are responsible for their color. While many molds are harmless and beneficial, some cause allergic reactions and respiratory problems. Under the right conditions, some molds produce mycotoxins – toxic substances that can make you sick. In many foods, mold penetrates deeply and does not just remain on the surface. In some cases, toxins may have spread throughout the food.
Logically, this can also happen with citrus fruits. If you notice bluish-green or white deposits on the fruit peel, then unfortunately the fruit has already spoiled. Additionally, soft fruits with high moisture content, such as an orange, can become contaminated beneath the surface. Such fruits and vegetables should be completely discarded if they become moldy. On the other hand, small mold spots can be cut out in firm, low-moisture fruits and vegetables such as cabbage, peppers and carrots. The rule of thumb is: If tangerines are moldy, you should throw them away orcompost in your home. Otherwise, storage in the freezer or refrigerator compartment is best. Here are some common storage options that prevent tangerines from molding or spoiling.
This is how you can store citrus fruits properly
Regardless of which option you choose, you should store oranges or clementines in a ventilated container or mesh bag. Storing citrus fruits in the refrigerator is the best way to keep them fresh and juicy for longer. Most of them come from the store already in a mesh bag. In addition, using this mesh bag is ideal for refrigerator storage. If you don't have a mesh bag, you can use a well-ventilated container. Otherwise, you can also spread the fruit loosely in the drawer to allow more air circulation. Also follow some other steps for proper storage:
- Check for rotten tangerines or oranges every few days and throw away any bad ones.
- Do not store clementines in a plastic bag or container without ventilation.
- Don't wash citrus fruits until it's time to eat them. Even if you don't eat the fruit peel, they should be washed before peeling or cutting. Bacteria can be transferred from the skin to the flesh when peeling or cutting.
- Wash each fruit separately under running water. Placing them all together in a bowl or sink filled with water can transfer contamination from one fruit to another if tangerines become moldy.
Can you freeze oranges or clementines?
You can freeze citrus fruits, but they will be noticeably softer after thawing. For this reason, they are not good in salads or as a snack. So it's best to juice them afterwards or use them in smoothies. Alternatively, you can freeze the juice. If you know that two weeks in the refrigerator isn't long enough, consider another longer-term storage method. This situation leads to the question, can you freeze fresh citrus?
Freeze whole clementines or oranges
If you want to freeze the juice, freeze your fruit whole. Here's how:
- First wash the fruits briefly under running water and dry them with kitchen towels.
- If you juice the fruit with a citrus press, leave the peel on. Otherwise, you can peel the citrus, although this is easier since the fruit is still quite firm and fresh.
- Then fill a freezer bag with fruit and squeeze out the air before sealing the bag.
- Write the name and date on each bag if you wish.
- Frozen citrus should retain decent quality in the freezer for at least 6 months to 1 year.
- To juice, you should let the fruit thaw in the refrigerator overnight.
Freeze peeled citrus fruits and separate fruit pieces
If you want to use one or two citrus fruits in a smoothie, freezing them in fruit pieces would be the best option.
- First wash, peel and cut all the fruit.
- Cover a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone mat and spread the fruit pieces in a single layer.
- Then place the baking sheet in the freezer for 2 to 3 hours or until the fruit pieces freeze solid.
- Then transfer the fruit pieces to a freezer bag.
- Squeeze out the air and seal the bag tightly.
- Lastly, add a label with the name and date if you find it helpful.
- Clementines or oranges should keep well for at least 3 to 6 months when frozen in this way.
- When you're ready to enjoy them, you can either toss the fruit pieces in frozen, thaw them in the fridge for a few hours, or let them sit at room temperature for 30 to 60 minutes. If you choose the latter option, you should consume any thawed fruit immediately.
Also read:Eating or removing white threads from tangerines: What's in them?
