Orange is the most popular fruit on the planet. Absolutely everyone likes his juicy sweet fruits. And he appeared in China more than two thousand years ago as a result of the crossing of mandarin and pomelo. This solar fruit came to Europe thanks to Portuguese navigators in the 16th century. The Russian name of citrus “orange” in German means “Chinese apple”. Despite its Asian origin, the sweetest varieties in our time are grown in America and the Mediterranean countries.
Since the Middle Ages, various orange tree derivatives have been widely used for medicinal purposes. Modern medicine also recognizes the undoubted benefits of this vitamin-rich fruit for human health. Its regular use reduces the risk of certain types of oncology, boosts immunity, reduces the level of overwork, contributes to the scarring of wounds and has many other therapeutic effects.
Choosing the “Right” Fruits
The key to successful long-term preservation of any fruit - careful selection of fruits.
- First look at the orange. It should be a uniform bright orange. The richer the color, the more ripe and sweeter the fruit. The sweetest varieties have a smooth skin with red dots.
- Porous rind, as a rule, is very thick, which does not affect the taste of citrus, but gives it extra weight. But this fruit is easier to clean.
- To the touch, an orange should not be too soft or deformed. The most juicy and, accordingly, sweet fruits should be heavier than their less ripe counterparts.
- It is imperative to smell an orange. If it is stored at sufficiently high temperatures, you should catch a distinct sweet-citrus scent.
- If you find a fruit with a “navel” on top - take it without thinking. Such fruits are always the sweetest.
- Large oranges are usually not tasty enough. It is better to choose small and medium-sized citrus.
- If you use in food not only the pulp, but also the peel, then do not choose specimens with a shiny surface. Such a surface, as if painted, speaks of the use of a special preservative wax containing chemicals harmful to health.
Storage Temperature
These solar fruits, unlike other citrus fruits, can be stored at room temperature for quite a long time (up to a week).
However, the most suitable option would be the content of oranges in the refrigerator, where in modern models there are special containers in which the most favorable temperature is maintained. For “Chinese apples” it is an indicator from +3 to +8 ° C.
Depending on the variety of oranges, these values may vary in one direction or another. There are species that can not withstand long-term storage, but there are others that are able to maintain their freshness for several months. The duration of storage is also influenced by the degree of ripeness of the fetus.
- Ripe orange fruits at a temperature of + 1 ... + 2 ° C will remain ripe for a period of a couple of weeks to a couple of months.
- Yellow - perfectly retain their freshness at a temperature range from +2 to +4 ° C.
- Still greenish oranges will be able to lie down at + 5 ... + 6 ° C for about five months.
It is possible to extend the time of preservation of the solar fruit, using the alternation of temperatures. Having kept the fruits in the refrigerator for about 24 hours, it is necessary to let them warm for several hours at room temperature, and then return them back.
Light and humidity storage mode
Bright light and sunlight can significantly reduce the time at which citrus will remain fresh and attractive. The detrimental effect on the safety of oranges is formed on the surface of the condensate, which must be immediately removed with a dry cloth. Optimum air humidity during storage of ripe fruits should be 85-90%, and for unripe specimens - slightly below 85%, provided that they meet the requirements of temperature storage.
Dry, dark and well-ventilated rooms such as a cellar will be suitable for storing large quantities of subtropical fruits at home.
Some features
For long-term savings, the fruit should be specially prepared. There are several techniques, the use of which will allow your oranges to remain beautiful and tasty.
- It is better not to use plastic in the form of bags or containers for storage, but to opt for cardboard or paper containers.
- It is good to wrap each orange separately in paper (for example, a napkin).
- It is impossible to immediately place fruits from room heat in too cold conditions. They may lose their taste. It is better to lower the storage temperature gradually.
- It is not recommended to place citruses in close proximity to other products, as they may be adversely affected by substances that provoke putrefactive processes.
- A large amount of fruit must be periodically sorted out, in time getting rid of diseased specimens, which are the source of pathogenic fungi and bacteria.
- For long-term storage, it is better to choose unripe citruses, which will have to be stored at room temperature and without access of light in order for them to ripen completely.
- To prolong the storage time of oranges will help any vegetable oil, if you slightly rub the surface of the fruit. This method is suitable for any citrus.
