If you’re a fan of mandarin oranges, you know they’re only in season for a short time.
But what if there were a way to enjoy them year-round? Can you freeze mandarin oranges?
Freezing mandarin oranges is a great way to extend their shelf life and enjoy them long after they disappear from store shelves.
Frozen oranges will last up to 10 months in the freezer but may lose a little taste and texture.
Here’s how to freeze mandarin oranges so you can enjoy them anytime.
Start with fresh, ripe mandarin oranges.
Avoid bruising or overripe, as they won’t freeze well.
Remove the peel and any pith using a sharp knife or vegetable peeler.
Segment the flesh into individual slices or wedges.
Spread the segments on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and freeze for about 2 hours until solid.
Transfer the frozen segments to a freezer-safe storage container or bag and return them to the freezer.
Use within 6 months for best quality, but oranges can last up to 10 months in the freezer.
How Do You Freeze Mandarin Oranges?
One of the great things about mandarin oranges is that they can be frozen and enjoyed all year long.
If you’re looking for a quick and easy way to enjoy these delicious fruits, here’s how to freeze them. Start by selecting ripe, fresh mandarin oranges.
You’ll want to avoid any fruit that is bruised or blemished.
Once you’ve selected your fruit, thoroughly wash and dry it.
Next, cut the mandarin oranges into small pieces.
This will make them easier to eat once they’re frozen.
Once your mandarin oranges are cut up, spread them on a baking sheet and place them in the freezer.
Allow the mandarin oranges to freeze for several hours or until they are solid.
Once frozen, transfer the mandarin oranges to a freezer-safe container or bag.
They will keep fresh in the freezer for up to ten months.
When you’re ready to enjoy your frozen mandarin oranges, simply remove them from the freezer and allow them to thaw for a few minutes before eating. Enjoy!
Can I Freeze Mandarin Orange Slices?
Yes, you sure can! Mandarin oranges last for about 10 months in the freezer with a small loss of taste and texture.
Just dry them thoroughly first. Otherwise, they’ll stick together and be a pain to separate later.
Freeze them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, then transfer them to a freezer-safe bag once they’re solid.
That way, you can just grab a few slices at a time as needed without having to defrost the whole batch at once.
And of course, frozen mandarin orange slices are great for adding a bit of citrusy sweetness to smoothies or cocktails!
What Can I Do With Old Mandarin Oranges?
If you’ve got some old oranges, you might not want to eat them.
Fruits are best when fresh and crisp! Luckily, there are plenty of ways to make use of old oranges.
For example, adding mandarin orange peels to a pot of simmering water to infuse it with flavor.
This makes for a delicious and refreshing tea.
You can also use the peels to make a natural cleaning solution.
Simply combine water and white vinegar in equal parts, add a few mandarin orange peels, and let the mixture sit for 24 hours.
The result is a pleasantly-scented all-purpose cleaner that’s great for surfaces like countertops and floors.
Finally, mandarin orange peels can also be used as a natural air freshener.
Simply place them in a bowl or vase and enjoy the fresh citrus scent in any room of your home.
The next time you find yourself with old mandarin oranges, you can put those peels to good use.
How Do You Prepare Oranges To Freeze?
Freezing oranges is very simple. Just wash the oranges well and cut them into quarters or slices, depending on how you plan to use them later.
Then, lay the pieces on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and pop them into the freezer.
Once frozen, transfer the oranges to a freezer-safe bag or container.
You might also want to label each bag so you’ll know exactly how old a batch is.
Should You Refrigerate Mandarin Oranges?
Mandarin oranges stored at room temperature will last about a week, but refrigerated oranges can last up to one month. Freezing mandarin oranges will prolong their lifespan to up to 10 months!
Oranges are a delicious and refreshing way to get your daily dose of Vitamin C.
But did you know that oranges have many other health benefits as well?
Studies have shown that oranges can help reduce the risk of stroke, lower blood pressure, and improve cholesterol levels.
Oranges are also a good source of fiber, which can help promote digestive health.
And since they’re packed with antioxidants, oranges can also help boost your immune system.
Antioxidants are substances that can prevent or delay damage to cells caused by free radicals.
Free radicals are particles that are produced when the body breaks down food or is exposed to tobacco smoke and radiation.
These particles can damage cells; over time, this damage can lead to various health problems, such as cancer, heart disease, and stroke.
Antioxidants work by neutralizing free radicals and thus reducing cell damage.
So next time you’re looking for a healthy snack, reach for an orange! You’ll be doing your body a favor.
I’m Chris Watson & the Founder of EatForLonger.com. I’m a food and wellbeing enthusiast researching and sharing foodstuffs and simple food-based concepts, such as fasting and clean eating.
I hope it inspires you to make tiny changes to what you eat and when you eat while optimizing your healthspan and all-around well-being.
Read more About Me here.