I have a fondness for incorporating orange zest into my beloved biscotti recipe. Whenever I reach for an orange to zest, I habitually give it a quick rinse under the running faucet, ensuring to dry it thoroughly before taking out the trusty grater. However, when my intention is simply to indulge in the fruit itself, I often find myself foregoing the washing step, reasoning that I’ll be removing the peel anyway. But here’s an important tidbit to keep in mind – irrespective of how you plan to consume them, it’s crucial to thoroughly wash oranges, states Dr. Gabriela Swamy, a distinguished professor at San Jose State University and a esteemed member of the Institute of Food Technologists’ Fruit & Vegetable Products Division.
Dr. Swamy emphasizes that oranges can harbor remnants of wax, dirt, and pesticide residue on their outer peel. “By washing them, you prevent the transfer of any contaminants from the skin onto your hands or the interior of the fruit during the peeling or cutting processes,” she explains. Offering a practical tip on proper orange cleaning, registered dietitian nutritionist Nichole Dandrea-Russert, suggests, “Simply rinse the orange under running water while giving it a firm rub with your hands. For enhanced cleanliness, utilize a vegetable scrub brush in conjunction with running water.”
She further advises against resorting to soap or commercial produce washes. “Using detergents, bleach solutions, or other chemicals is not recommended for washing oranges, as the porous peel can absorb these substances,” warns Dandrea-Russert. “Such practices are not conducive to health and may potentially alter the fruit’s texture and flavor.”
Now, let’s delve into the realm of storage tactics to prolong the freshness of your oranges. Dandrea-Russert advises against washing oranges immediately upon bringing them home, cautioning that residual moisture can hasten spoilage. “Ideally, wash oranges right before consumption or incorporating them into recipes to stave off premature deterioration or bacterial growth,” she recommends. Should you opt to wash them upon purchase for later use, ensure they are completely dry before storage.
“To preserve oranges effectively, consider storing them in a breathable mesh bag or loosely in your produce drawer to promote ample air circulation and prevent moisture entrapment, which can accelerate spoilage,” suggests Dandrea-Russert. In high-humidity environments, she proposes placing a paper towel at the drawer’s base to absorb excess moisture.
As for the shelf life of oranges, Swamy notes that properly stored oranges can endure in the refrigerator for 3 to 4 weeks, while maintaining their freshness for approximately a week at room temperature.
Detecting spoilage in oranges is imperative to avoid consuming compromised fruit. “When examining oranges, ensure they are firm and free of discolored or mushy spots,” advises Dandrea-Russert. “Soft, mushy, or discolored areas typically indicate spoilage
