Oranges are one of the favorite fruits of people. They not only quench thirst but also have cough-relieving effects. So, how should they be stored? How long can they be stored? Let's find out together!
Can Oranges be Stored in the Refrigerator?
Oranges can be stored in the refrigerator. Oranges are rich in vitamin C, and a medium-sized orange can provide the daily requirement of vitamin C for a person, enhancing the body's ability to resist bacterial invasion.
Oranges can also eliminate harmful free radicals in the body and inhibit the growth of tumor cells.
Generally, the temperature in the refrigerator's cold storage room is around 4°C. At this temperature, the respiration of oranges is weak, so the consumption of nutrients is minimal, and the oranges will not be frozen.
In addition, the humidity in the refrigerator is higher, which can prevent excessive water loss in oranges and maintain their texture.
Due to inevitable bumps during transportation, oranges can be stored in the refrigerator for about a month.
If oranges are stored indoors at a high temperature and dry air, they are not only prone to water loss but also more likely to rot. In this case, it is best not to store them for more than two weeks.
How long can Oranges be stored?
1. As long as the storage environment is not harsh, oranges can be stored for a relatively long time. Experiments have shown that navel oranges can be preserved for up to six months.
2. In daily life, they can be stored at room temperature for 3-5 months.
They should not be exposed to direct sunlight or frozen. In warmer southern regions, it is better to store them in the refrigerator, while in colder northern regions, they should not be placed outdoors.
They should be stored at a temperature of 5°C-10°C, with some distance between each orange, in a well-ventilated and cool place. If long-term storage is required, they can be placed in the refrigerator.
However, if there is mold, the moldy fruit should be discarded as soon as possible, as it can easily infect other oranges.
4. Find some baking soda (not too much) and dissolve it in water. Use the baking soda water to wash each orange so that the water on the surface of the oranges naturally evaporates, forming a protective film with the baking soda water.
Then, put them in plastic bags and seal the bags tightly, making sure no air enters the bags. This way, the oranges can be stored for a long time without any problems for up to three months.
Precautions when Eating Oranges
1. Do not eat on an empty stomach
Eating oranges before meals or on an empty stomach is not recommended, as the organic acids in oranges can irritate the gastric mucosa, which is not good for the gastrointestinal tract.
2. Do not drink milk within about one hour before or after eating oranges
Oranges contain abundant fruit acids, and when they come into contact with the proteins in milk, they will coagulate and produce indigestible substances, affecting the digestion and absorption in the body.
3. Oranges taste delicious but should not be consumed excessively
Excessive consumption of oranges and other citrus fruits can cause yellowing of the hands, feet, or even the entire body. Some people may also experience symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, irritability, and fatigue, commonly known as "orange disease". This phenomenon is known medically as "carotenemia".
Usually, no treatment is needed, and improvement can be achieved simply by stopping the consumption of such foods.
4. Pay attention to oral hygiene when eating oranges
Oranges contain a large amount of organic acids and fruit acids. After eating oranges, it is important to brush your teeth and rinse your mouth in a timely manner to prevent erosion of the teeth in the oral cavity.
5. Do not use orange peels to make drinking water
This is because the orange peels available in the market generally contain preservatives, making it difficult to wash them off with water. Unless you can be sure that the oranges you have are not treated with preservatives, they can be directly used to make drinking water.
