The oranges are the most beloved citrus and disseminated on Italian tables. In addition to the unmistakable flavor, these foods are rich in incredible nutritional properties, which make the orange one of the healthiest and lightest fruits from a caloric point of view.
There are some basic rules for choosing and storing oranges. Some secrets can also be extended to other citrus fruits and, in general, to all fruit. The important thing is to act with respect for nature, to follow the life of fruit at every stage.
Storing oranges: the choice and the buying guide
The first tip that you must categorically follow is given by the right choice of fruit. When buying, always prefer untreated oranges, possibly from a trusted greengrocer who gives certain guarantees of origin. Although a non-organic fruit could have a longer life (although this is not always the case), always remember the premise: always act in respect of nature.
Then let’s move on to the variety. Whether it’s an orange to be consumed fresh or to be squeezed, don’t forget to check the peel and consistency; a coating that is too shiny means that the fruit has been treated, while a soft mass is a symptom that the orange is already too ripe or in any case ruined (for travel, for the weight and compression of other oranges, etc).
Another tip concerns dents and cuts. In addition to being a symptom of little care, an orange already cut or bruised before purchase will be more difficult to keep than a healthy fruit.
How to store oranges
Perhaps not everyone knows that oranges have a fairly long life. Depending on the type (some varieties, such as Valencia, can last up to 3-4 months if stored in the cold). These citrus fruits adapt without difficulty to the temperatures and humidity of our homes.
For as natural conservation as possible, the primary advice is to keep the oranges in a fruit basket and leave it on the terrace. Given the pure winter seasonality of citrus, the cold and moderately humid air will benefit your oranges. In this way, they could remain at maximum ripeness for up to 25-30 days.
Alternatively, you can keep them indoors. The warmer and more closed atmosphere of the home, however, will inevitably reduce the life span of the fruit. Another possibility is to put your oranges in the fridge, in the compartment dedicated to fruit and vegetables. In this way, you will artificially recreate the external winter environment.
In any case, however, always remember to keep your oranges without heaping or crushing them, in order to avoid bruises and irreparable cuts to the peel.
