How Long Do Oranges Last?

The shelf life of oranges, like most other fresh fruit or fresh vegetables is variable because most have no sell by date, use by date, or best before date. Since there is no printed date and it's difficult to tell how long the fruit has been on the grocery shelf prior to purchase, the only date you can go by is the purchased date or date picked (if you are lucky enough to pick your own fresh fruit). There are two main varieties of oranges; Navel which are best for eating, and Valencia which are best for juice. Because of their relatively low cost, long Shelf Life, easy portability and extremely high concentration of antioxidents, vitamin C and fiber oranges are one of the most popular fruits around. So, how long do oranges last? When properly stored, some of the more popular expiration dates of oranges can be found below.

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Oranges Expiration Date

Counter Refrigerator
Fresh Oranges last for 2-3 Weeks 1-2 Months
Cut Oranges last for Same Day 1-2 Days

Of course, all foods last for a shorter period of time if they are not stored properly. Sometimes when they are packaged in a large bag or box it is labeled with the date the oranges were packed into the container. This date can be used to calculate the eat by date.

How to tell if Oranges are bad, rotten or spoiled?

Practicing proper hygiene and food safety techniques will help prevent foodborne illness.

Although not a perfect test, your senses are usually the most reliable instruments to tell if your oranges have gone bad beyond the shelf life. Some common traits of bad oranges are a soft texture and some discoloration. The soft spot is moist and develops a mold, usually white in color at first. Bad oranges, just like bad orange juice and other fruit juices, will have a distinct sour smell and taste.

There are, of course, certain health risks associated with spoiled foods so always remember to practice food safety and enjoy your foods before their shelf life has expired!

How to store Oranges to extend their shelf life?

You can help oranges stay fresh longer by storing them in your refrigerator drawer. Once oranges are prepared, they should be stored in a tightly closed container to keep out moisture and other contaminants.

Some benefits of proper food storage include eating healthier, cutting food costs and helping the environment by avoiding waste.

Interesting facts about Oranges:

  • Most oranges in North America come from Florida and California
  • Navel oranges are named so because they have a belly button opposite the stem. The bigger the navel, the sweeter the orange.
  • Valencia oranges turn orange when ripe, but then can turn green again as they re-absorb chlorophyll when remaining on the tree during warm weather (but they're still ripe).
  • How to use extra before your Oranges go bad?

  • Make orange juice! Cut and squeeze the oranges into a glass or container, then refrigerate and drink within a day.
  • Peel the oranges and put into a Vitamix with some bananas, canned pineapple, fruit juice and ice for a great smoothie.
  • Peel and separate the oranges and toss them into a container of chocolate yogurt.
  • How long are Oranges good for when prepared in a dish?

    How long do oranges last? That depends. How long do bananas last? In general, oranges last only as long as the quickest expiring ingredient in the recipe.

    What are our shelf life resources?

    In determining how long Oranges lasts, our content incorporates research from multiple resources, including the United States Department of Agriculture and the United States Food & Drug Administration. In addition, we scoured the web for informative articles and reports related to food safety, food storage and the shelf life of Oranges.

    *An important note about expiration dates...

    Although the Oranges shelf life information on Eat By Date is generally reliable, please remember that individual cases will vary and that our advice should only be taken as an opinion and not a replacement for your health care professional. Please eat responsibly!

    Our Favorite Food Storage Set!

    With oven-safe glass and water-tight lids, these food storage containers are ready for action! Not a Prime Member? Try a 30-day free trial today!

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