Oranges are grown year-round in tropical and subtropical climates like California and Florida, so there isn’t a single “season” for oranges. That said, many citrus fruits—including navel oranges and blood oranges—reach their peak production in winter, when you’ll find the widest selection of fresh oranges in your grocery store.
When shopping for a good orange, look for fruits that feel heavy for their size (a sign they’re juicy!) and have smooth, brightly colored skin without blemishes or soft spots. Slightly firm fruit is ideal; overly soft oranges may be past their prime. Whether you’re buying for snacking, juicing, or baking, always choose ripe oranges for the best flavor.
Once home, the best way to store oranges depends on how soon you plan to eat them. If you’ll eat whole oranges within a week or so, it’s fine to store them at room temperature—on the countertop or in a bowl or mesh bag that allows for airflow. Avoid stacking or crowding, which can encourage spoilage. To extend their shelf life, refrigerate oranges in the crisper drawer, where they’ll stay fresh for 3 to 4 weeks. (There’s some evidence that storing citrus at temperatures higher than 5°C (about 41°F) for long periods of time increases their loss of vitamin C.)
For cut fruit, store orange slices or cut oranges in an airtight container in the fridge and eat within a few days. And remember, once peeled or sliced, oranges begin to lose vitamin C and antioxidants, so enjoy them fresh when possible.
Too many oranges? You can freeze oranges! Peel and separate into segments, spread on a baking sheet, and freeze until solid. Transfer to a plastic bag or freezer-safe container and use in smoothies or to chill orange juice. You can also freeze orange zest or orange peel for flavoring dressings, marinades, or baked goods. Another option? Try dehydration to make chewy dried citrus snacks or to add citrus flavor to teas and infusions.
With a little planning and the right orange storage methods, you can enjoy the bright, sweet flavor and nutritional benefits of oranges all year long.
Shop Like a Pro
If you’re looking for tips on how to shop, select and store other foods check out these posts!
