Refrigerating citrus fruits can extend their shelf life, but may result in less juicy fruit and the risk of mold. It’s important to store them properly, in a mesh bag and not in an airtight container, and to let them warm to room temperature before juicing.
While people don’t need to refrigerate citrus fruits, doing so can help the fruit last a little longer than usual. Many citrus fruits, however, may become less juicy when stored in the refrigerator. Even fruit stored in the refrigerator may have slight blemishes on the skin and is more susceptible to mold. To avoid these problems, it’s important to refrigerate citrus fruits properly.
Normally, citrus fruits can be stored at room temperature or in a cool, dry place, such as a pantry. This type of fruit typically lasts up to a week when stored this way. To extend this time, you can refrigerate your citrus fruits.
If you refrigerate citrus fruits, they generally last much longer than if they were sitting out. Typically, fruit stored this way will last a few weeks longer. In some cases, it may even last a couple of months longer. This option is best if you have a large amount of fruit that won’t be eaten within a week of acquiring it.
While they usually last longer, some problems can occur when refrigerating citrus fruits. If you prefer juicy fruits, you shouldn’t refrigerate citrus fruits, as colder citrus fruits often contain less juice. For this reason, experts recommend allowing fruit to warm to room temperature before making a freshly squeezed citrus juice, such as orange juice or lemonade. This can be done by removing the fruit from the refrigerator a few hours before juicing.
Small imperfections can also appear on fruit peels, or rinds, if citrus fruits are refrigerated. These discolored spots are usually harmless and won’t affect the taste of the fruit. If they are worrisome, however, these spots can be removed before consumption.
Mold is another common problem associated with refrigerating this type of fruit. When you refrigerate citrus fruits, they tend to go moldy quickly. This can spread very quickly from one piece of fruit to another, so any fruit stored in the refrigerator should be examined daily. This mold usually occurs when the fruit has not been stored properly.
Citrus fruits should never be stored in the refrigerator in an airtight container or plastic bag. Instead, to promote air circulation and prevent mold, it should be kept in a mesh bag when stored in the refrigerator. Also, you should refrain from washing fruit before storing, as any excess moisture can also make fruit more susceptible to mold.
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