Keep your oranges 'fresher and juicier' for longer by storing them in this one place

Daily Record

06-05-2025

Making these few small changes will mean you get the best out of your oranges.
The majority of UK households store oranges in their fruit bowls. As pretty as this may look, experts believe having your oranges exposed to the air and next to other fruit, could actually be doing more harm than good.
Oranges are a common staple in British homes and diets due to their health benefits. They are rich in vitamin C which supports a strong immune system and acts as an antioxidant. They also provide fiber, folate, and potassium, contributing to healthy digestion, heart health, and overall well-being.
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The freshness and juiciness of an orange can reduce rapidly if they are not stored properly. They can be kept at room temperature, out of direct sunlight for a few days, but they 'prefer a cool, dark environment'.
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If you want to get the best out of your oranges, then you should keep them in the fridge, according to Serious Eats. This can extend their shelf life and keep them juicier and fresher for longer.
Riley Davies, a manager at Misfits Market – an online grocer – said that the ideal temperature for citrus fruit is between 40F and 45F (around 4.4C to 7.2C).
This is likely colder than the countertop in your kitchen and warmer than the fridge, but the latter is the preferred option.
The cool temperature in the fridge slows down the ripening process and inhibits the growth of mould and bacteria.
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It's best to place them in a mesh bag or keep them loose, allowing for good air circulation.
Many people choose to store oranges at room temperature which can make them taste juicer because the natural sugars are more flavourful when not chilled.
There's also a widespread belief that citrus fruits don't need to be kept in the fridge but while keeping oranges on the counter is fine for short-term storage of up to about a week, it's not ideal for long-term freshness.
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Warm environments can cause the fruit to dry out or spoil more quickly, especially in humid conditions.
If you buy oranges in bulk or don't plan to eat them all within a few days, keeping them in the fridge is the smart choice.
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You could store most of your oranges in the fridge and leave a few out to enjoy over the next couple of days if you don't want to keep them all in there.
By changing this one simple storage habit, you could extend the shelf-life and freshness of your oranges without any extra hassle.
As much as an orange's juiciness has to do with storage, its quality also hinges on its condition at the time of purchase.
For this reason, it's important to first select the right oranges. The freshest kind are usually a bright colour, have thinner skin, and a more solid feel.
Cassie Howard, based at Sunkist – a citrus growers cooperative – told Martha Stewart: 'Choose a firm, heavy orange when buying as they tend to be juicier.'