All About Oranges
Your complete guide to oranges - discover how to store it properly, identify when it's gone bad, and find the best substitutes for your recipes.
How Long Does Oranges Last?
Storage times and freshness tips for 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.
at room temperature (whole, uncut)1-2 weeks
Signs of Spoilage
Soft spots, mold (white, green, or blue fuzzy patches), shriveling, discolored skin (darker or dull), sticky residue on the skin, or a noticeably lighter weight due to moisture loss.
How to Check
Visually inspect for mold, dark spots, or excessive wrinkling. Gently squeeze the orange; it should feel firm and plump. If it's mushy or has soft, sunken areas, it's likely spoiled. Smell for any sour, fermented, or off-putting odors.
Storage Tips
Store in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight. Avoid storing in airtight containers as this can trap moisture and accelerate mold growth. A fruit bowl or mesh bag allowing air circulation is ideal.
in freezer (segments or juice)6-12 months (for optimal quality)
Signs of Spoilage
While safe indefinitely when properly frozen, quality degrades over time. Signs of quality loss include freezer burn (dry, discolored spots or leathery texture on segments), significant loss of flavor, or a watery texture after thawing. Juice may separate significantly.
How to Check
Visually inspect for excessive ice crystals or dry, discolored patches (freezer burn) on segments. After thawing, check the smell for any off-odors, though this is rare for properly frozen citrus. The texture of thawed segments will be much softer than fresh.
Storage Tips
For segments: Peel and separate oranges into 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. For juice: Squeeze fresh juice, strain, and pour into freezer-safe containers or ice cube trays, leaving headspace for expansion. Thaw in the refrigerator. Frozen oranges and juice are best used in smoothies, sauces, baking, or cooking, as the texture changes make them less appealing for eating fresh.
in refrigerator (whole, uncut)3-4 weeks
Signs of Spoilage
Similar to room temperature but slower development: soft spots, mold, significant shriveling, discolored skin, or a sticky film. May also develop a dull appearance.
How to Check
Visually check for mold, dark spots, or excessive wrinkling. The orange should still feel firm; any soft, spongy, or mushy areas indicate spoilage. Smell for any sour or fermented odor.
Storage Tips
Store in the crisper drawer. For best results, place them in a mesh bag or loosely in a plastic bag to allow some air circulation while preventing excessive moisture loss. Do not wash oranges before refrigerating, as moisture can encourage mold growth.
in refrigerator (cut or peeled)3-4 days
Signs of Spoilage
Drying out around the edges, loss of vibrant color (browning), slimy or mushy texture, sour or fermented smell, or visible mold growth on the cut surfaces.
How to Check
Visually inspect for browning, dullness, or sliminess. The fruit should still look vibrant and feel firm. If it appears dull, slimy, or mushy, it's spoiled. Smell for any strong sour, fermented, or unpleasant odors.
Storage Tips
Store in an airtight container or tightly wrapped in plastic wrap to prevent drying out and absorption of other fridge odors. This also helps maintain freshness and prevent contamination.