All About Navel oranges
Your complete guide to navel oranges - discover how to store it properly, identify when it's gone bad, and find the best substitutes for your recipes.
How Long Does Navel oranges Last?
Storage times and freshness tips for navel oranges in different conditions.
Safety first: This guide provides general information. When in doubt, throw it out! Trust your senses and err on the side of caution. If something smells, looks, or tastes off, don't consume it.
in the refrigerator (whole, uncut)3-4 weeks (up to 6 weeks under ideal conditions)
Signs of Spoilage
Similar to room temperature but slower: mold growth, excessive softness, mushy texture, shriveled or deeply wrinkled skin, sticky exterior, fermented or sour off-odor.
How to Check
Visually check for any signs of mold, dark spots, or deep wrinkles. Press gently on the orange; it should feel firm and plump. If it's soft, mushy, or feels hollow, it's past its prime. A strong sour, fermented, or musty smell is a clear indicator of spoilage.
Storage Tips
Store in the crisper drawer or a mesh bag to allow for air circulation and prevent moisture buildup, which can encourage mold. Avoid storing in sealed plastic bags. Wash oranges just before use, not before storage, to prevent added moisture.
at room temperature (whole, uncut)1-2 weeks
Signs of Spoilage
Soft spots, shriveling, dull or discolored skin, sticky residue on the surface, visible mold (white, green, or blue fuzzy patches), fermented or sour off-odor.
How to Check
Visually inspect for any mold growth, dark spots, or shriveled areas. Gently squeeze the orange; it should be firm. If it feels mushy or soft in spots, it's likely spoiling. Smell the orange; a fresh citrus scent is good, a sour, yeasty, or moldy smell indicates spoilage.
Storage Tips
Store in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight. Do not store in an airtight container as oranges need air circulation. Avoid storing near ethylene-producing fruits like apples or bananas, which can accelerate ripening and spoilage.
in the refrigerator (cut or peeled segments)3-4 days
Signs of Spoilage
Drying out, dull or faded color, slimy texture, visible mold, strong sour or fermented smell.
How to Check
Visually inspect for dried-out edges, discoloration, or any fuzzy mold. Touch the segments; they should not feel slimy or sticky. Smell the fruit; a strong sour, yeasty, or off-putting odor indicates spoilage. Discard if any of these signs are present.
Storage Tips
Store in an airtight container or tightly wrapped with plastic wrap to minimize air exposure and prevent drying out or absorbing other odors from the fridge. Consume as quickly as possible for best flavor and texture.
in the freezer (peeled segments or juice)8-12 months
Signs of Spoilage
While still safe, quality degradation includes freezer burn (dry, discolored spots), significant change in texture (very mushy when thawed), and a dull or 'freezer-y' taste.
How to Check
Visually inspect for excessive ice crystals or dry, discolored patches (freezer burn). When thawed, the texture will be much softer than fresh. A dull flavor indicates quality loss.
Storage Tips
For segments: Peel and separate segments, removing as much white pith as possible. Freeze them in a single layer on a baking sheet first, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag or container, removing as much air as possible to prevent freezer burn. For juice: Squeeze fresh juice, strain, and freeze in ice cube trays or freezer-safe containers, leaving headspace for expansion. Thawed oranges are best used in smoothies, sauces, or baking rather than eaten fresh due to texture changes.