Can oranges be frozen? - The best way

Oranges are probably one of the most popular fruits. They are also one of the most accessible types of fruit. Almost everyone has eaten an orange, and most love it!

Oranges are a very popular type of fruit, and there are endless ways to use them to make different foods and drinks. The logical thing to do is stock up and save yourself a trip to the grocery store.

The question will inevitably come up: how do I keep my oranges nice and fresh until I’m ready to use them?

So can oranges be frozen?

Yes, you can freeze oranges. There are several different methods that work, depending on what you are going to use the oranges for later. Oranges can be frozen peeled, unpeeled, sliced, or whole. Place the oranges in a freezer-safe bag, remove as much air as possible, and freeze. Oranges will keep fresh for 6 months to 1 year.

It might seem that freezing oranges would be super simple, but the truth is that it is not as simple as putting oranges in the freezer.

As with freezing other types of fruit, there are some procedures and steps that you must follow to the letter to ensure optimal results when freezing oranges.

Luckily, the guide below provides you with the step-by-step process you need to know to successfully freeze oranges.

The Ultimate Guide to Freezing Oranges

Many people may think that oranges are available throughout the year, but in reality they are not. Oranges have a peak season like any other fruit.

They are mainly harvested in winter , with the season beginning in October and not ending until mid-June.

Also keep in mind that there are endless varieties of oranges available. They vary in size, shape and color of the pulp. Some varieties have a characteristic red color, others are more orange.

There is another factor at play: the ripeness of the fruit. This can also affect the flavor and longevity of the oranges.

freeze oranges

Freezing oranges can be done quite easily and is the most effective way to ensure they stay fresh. Frozen oranges can last from 6 months to 1 year.

There are several options when it comes to freezing oranges. You can freeze them whole or cut them into slices beforehand. You also have the option of peeling the oranges or leaving the skin on.

To make sure you have all the information you need, we’ve decided to give you a step-by-step guide on several different methods of freezing oranges.

Whichever method you choose, you will know exactly what you have to do.

How to Freeze Whole Oranges

Freezing whole oranges is great if your main use is to extract fresh juice later. Freezing oranges will have an adverse effect on the texture of the fruit, thus facilitating the subsequent extraction process.

If you are a regular smoothie or juice consumer, freezing whole oranges is a great method for you.

To freeze your oranges whole, follow these steps:

1. Choose oranges well: remember that the ripest and freshest oranges are always the ones that work best.
2. Put the oranges in a freezer-safe ziplock bag. Feel free to pack them nicely, but don’t overdo it. The last thing you want is for the bag to break in the freezer.
3. Create a vacuum environment by squeezing out as much air as you can before sealing the bag.
4. Place the oranges in the freezer.

Whole oranges keep well in the freezer for up to six months.

How to Freeze Unpeeled Orange Slices

There is another method that consists of leaving the skin. This method requires a little more work and skill than the previous one.

These unpeeled orange slices will work great as a garnish for drinks and cocktails. If you’re a regular drinker or hosting a cocktail party, this is the method you’ll want to know by heart.

This is the method for freezing orange slices with the skin:

1. Prepare the oranges by cutting them into rings or semicircles, as you prefer. Remember to keep the skin intact.
2. Arrange the orange slices on a cookie sheet, making sure the slices are not touching each other. Let them freeze for 4 hours.
3. Scoop out the frozen orange slices and place them in a freezer-safe bag.
4. Put the bag in the freezer.

Frozen this way, the oranges will last 10 to 12 months.

How to Freeze Peeled and Cut Oranges

This next method is perfect if you want your oranges ready to be a quick snack. Eliminate the tedious process of peeling and slicing while enjoying the orange - everything has been done in advance.

This method also helps the oranges retain much of their original flavor and texture.

This is the process for freezing peeled and cut oranges:

1. Prepare the oranges by peeling them and removing the white remains.
2. Cut the oranges into bite-sized pieces.
3. Just like freezing them whole, all you have to do is place them in resealable freezer-safe bags.
4. Remove excess air from the bag before sealing it.
5. Put them in the freezer.

Oranges frozen using this method keep well in the freezer for 10 to 12 months.

How to freeze oranges with skin

This method is useful if you want to keep the skin intact. After all, there are many cases in which you may need to use part of the orange peel.

The procedure for freezing oranges with the skin is as follows

1. Cut the orange into wedges, being careful not to cut the skin.
2. Place it inside a freezer-safe bag.
3. Squeeze out excess air and seal the freezer-safe container.
4. Put it in the freezer.

There you have our complete guide to freezing oranges. All you have to do is decide which method is best for you, depending on the use you are going to give the oranges.

You just have to follow the steps that we present here!

How to preserve oranges long term

You may be surprised to learn that there are several different ways to preserve oranges, besides freezing them.

Here are other conservation techniques available, apart from freezing. Among them are the storage of oranges in the refrigerator, dehydration and canning.

How long do oranges last in the fridge?

Since you have already learned the ins and outs of freezing oranges, we will now take a look at refrigeration. At the end of the day, we want to make sure you are aware of all the available options.

In terms of longevity, temperature plays an important role in extending the shelf life of oranges. This is true of all kinds of fruits and most foods.

If you leave oranges at room temperature, perhaps in a fruit basket, they will only stay fresh for about a week.

If you keep oranges for more than a week, you will begin to notice changes in their appearance.

Specifically, they will begin to wrinkle. There will also be changes in the flavor of the orange, specifically it will lose the intensity of its sweetness.

To slow this down and effectively extend the shelf life of your oranges, one of the things you can do is refrigerate them. If done correctly, they can last anywhere from 3 weeks to a whole month.

Be sure to follow these steps to refrigerate oranges:

1. Put the oranges in a plastic bag.
2. Place them in the produce section of the fridge. Remember that the different sections of your fridge have a specific function, so put the fruits in their corresponding place.
3. Store the oranges in the fridge and take them out only when you need them. This will prevent any undue fluctuations in the internal temperature of the orange.

Keep in mind that while refrigeration can significantly extend the life of your orange fruit, it can’t do much.

If you want to preserve oranges for the long term, you should consider freezing them.

dehydrate oranges

As the name suggests, this method consists of drying sliced oranges in the oven. It is a simple process and does not take much time.

Also, dried oranges can last up to 2 years, if the process is done correctly.

These are the steps to dehydrate oranges:

• Preheat the oven to 200 degrees
• Cut the oranges into slices and place them in a single layer on a cookie sheet.
• Cook them for 2.5 hours

Dried oranges can be used in various ways. For example, they make a great garnish for a cocktail or a cheese board.

preservation of oranges

These are the steps for canning oranges:

Canning consists of introducing oranges into glass jars without previously cooking them. This process is called “raw canning” in the canning industry.

• Peel the oranges.
• Tuck them tightly into a mason jar, leaving about 1/2 inch at the top.
• Pour boiling sugar syrup over the fruits.
• Seal the jar.

If done correctly, you can expect your preserved oranges to last anywhere from 18 months to 2 years.

As you may have noticed, both canning and dehydrating require a high level of precision and skill to carry out correctly. Additionally, you may also require additional equipment to get the job done.

But not so when you freeze your oranges. Freezing is probably the quickest and easiest way to preserve oranges for the long term.

The nutritional benefits of oranges

Oranges have long been considered one of the healthiest foods and can provide several long-term health benefits. The following table shows the nutritional content of a 100 g serving of orange.

Without a doubt, as the table above shows, oranges are incredibly healthy. They come packed with all kinds of nutrients and minerals that can help protect the body from various diseases and conditions.

Below we have listed some of the most important health benefits you can expect if you regularly eat oranges:

• • Daily Dose of Vitamin C - This is perhaps the most obvious benefit you can get from eating oranges regularly. As the table above shows, oranges are an excellent source of vitamin C. This can be beneficial in a number of ways. Vitamin C helps keep your immune system in top shape, reducing colds and infections. At the same time, vitamin C has been shown to dramatically reduce the risk of colon cancer.
  • Minimizes the chances of heart disease - The nutrients found in oranges can help do two things: keep blood pressure under control and lower cholesterol. Both of these things are precursors to heart disease. Oranges, being incredibly rich in vitamin B6, can promote hemoglobin production, and their magnesium content helps keep blood pressure stable. At the same time, studies have shown that citrus fruits have a compound known as Polymethoxylated Flavones (PMF) that can help lower a person’s cholesterol levels.
  • Regulates blood sugar levels - Another important component of oranges is their high fiber content. It serves a number of different purposes, one of the most important being its ability to help keep blood sugar levels stable. That is why, despite their sweet flavors, oranges are considered healthy treats for diabetes patients. At the same time, it contains fructose, a natural form of sugar that prevents your blood sugar levels from skyrocketing.
  • Maintain healthy skin - Eating oranges regularly can help prevent skin damage. This is because oranges are high in antioxidants, which help protect skin cells from elements known as free radicals. Free radicals are known to cause damage to our skin and trigger the signs of aging. In short, oranges can help you look younger!

• Reduces the risk of cancer – Oranges have many anti-cancer compounds that help reduce the chances of developing cancer. One of these compounds, known as D-limonene, is reportedly effective in preventing lung and skin cancer. Also, the nutrients present in oranges are preventative. After all, vitamin C is known to help build the immune system, while also actively fighting free radicals, as already mentioned.
• Maintain good eyesight - Another important benefit of eating oranges regularly is that it can help you maintain your eyesight. Oranges have a high level of vitamin A. Vitamin A plays a crucial role in maintaining the mucous membranes of the eye. At the same time, they help prevent macular degeneration caused by aging. If left unchecked, this condition can deteriorate rapidly as you age, and can even lead to blindness.
• Regular bowel movements – This is another important benefit of oranges that you should not ignore. Constipation is a serious health problem that can be easily prevented by including this fruit in your regular diet. Remember that oranges have high levels of fiber, which is crucial to keep the stomach and intestines in good condition. In addition, the fiber that oranges contain also helps to relieve irritable bowel syndrome.

With its many health benefits and wide range of vitamins, it’s only logical that you’d always want to keep oranges on hand.