To fridge or not to fridge … how to store citrus fruit
Whether you like to juice it, eat it, or cook with it, citrus fruits are an important part of a well-balanced diet. During the colder months we are blessed with an abundant bounty of citrus but have you ever wondered what is the best way to store it? Should you put oranges, lemons and the like in the fridge, or are they better stored at room temperature?
Citrus fruits start decomposing as soon as they are picked. The process of decomposition is slow when compared to other fruits so it’s difficult to tell that it’s even happening, but they will deteriorate when stored incorrectly. To avoid unnecessary food waste, you should store citrus in the fridge. Whilst many citrus fruits look beautiful displayed on the kitchen bench, they won’t last much longer than four days under these conditions. Comparatively, citrus that is stored in the refrigerator can last for up-to four weeks.
The best placement in the fridge depends on whether you are storing it whole or not. If you are storing whole citrus, then the best place to store it is in the crisper. If you are storing cut citrus, ensure that it is in an airtight container or wrap or cover fruit in cling film and can store anywhere in the fridge for approximately 5-7 days.
