Factors affecting the shelf life of citrus fruits
How long to store tangerines at home? The shelf life of citrus fruits may vary. On average, tangerine is stored for 10 days, but this period can be increased if the desired temperature is created. The success of storing a tropical fruit is influenced by the color of the peel. Yellow tangerines are able to maintain their original appearance for two weeks. How to store tangerines? What is the optimal temperature for these fruits? They must be stored at a temperature barely exceeding 0 degrees. If the peel of the fruit has a slight greenish tint, the fruit should be stored at a temperature of +2 to +6 degrees. In such conditions they will not deteriorate for two weeks.
Also, the shelf life of citrus fruits is influenced by the country in which they grew. This must be taken into account when purchasing a product. Tangerines grown in Abkhazia and Morocco can be stored for as long as possible. In contrast, the familiar Turkish and Spanish varieties spoil very quickly. It is not difficult to understand in which country tangerines were grown. An assistant in this matter will be not only the label, but also the appearance of the tropical fruit. In the first case, the fruits are distinguished by yellow (perhaps even light yellow) porous skin. They have an amazing sweet taste. In contrast, tangerines from Turkey have a very smooth surface.
Where will fruit last the longest?
The most suitable places are considered to be a cool cellar and basement. Another good option for preserving fruit is to put it in the refrigerator. Before storage, they must be carefully inspected, all soft, rotten and spoiled fruits must be selected.
Each storage method has its own pros and cons, which are worth talking about in more detail.
- Fruit drawer in the refrigerator
When sending tangerines to the refrigerator, do not pack them in a plastic bag or wrap them in cling film. Otherwise, the fruit will begin to rot. It is best to place citrus fruits in a perforated box to provide them with air access. Under such conditions, the fruits will last for about a month.
Please note that tangerines are stored separately from other fruits.
- Glazed balcony (in winter)
With this storage option, the fruits will not dry out and will retain their juiciness. It is best to display them on the balcony in wooden boxes. You need to take care in advance about the holes for air to enter. You should choose the darkest corner - it is undesirable for the sun's rays to fall on the tangerines. You can cover the fruits with paper (not printing paper).
- Cool basement
Before putting tangerines into the basement, it should be disinfected and checked for pests and excess moisture. The room must be well ventilated.
Fruits should be placed in cardboard boxes so that they do not touch each other. It is recommended to wrap each citrus in paper or a napkin. You can put tangerines in a net and hang it in the basement.
- At room conditions
Citrus fruits are least likely to be stored at home, since the temperature is too high for them and the humidity is too low. To prolong the freshness of the fruits, you can wrap them individually in parchment paper, then place them in an enamel bowl and cover with a lid. It is advisable to check tangerines every day for freshness, since this storage method is not the most reliable.
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Storage conditions for tangerines
How to store tangerines at home? Despite the fact that this is a tropical fruit, tangerines love temperatures of +4-8 degrees. In such conditions, they can retain all their beneficial properties for a whole month. However, it is necessary to observe not only the temperature regime, but also the humidity level. It should be about 80%. If the room is drier, the tropical fruit will gradually dry out, and this will lead to a significant loss of taste and good appearance. Spanish tangerines are distinguished by their large size.
Based on these parameters, you can choose tangerines that will not only suit your taste, but will also delight you with their shelf life. Also, the degree of ripeness of tangerines affects the shelf life of beneficial qualities. Obviously, the riper fruits will soon lose their shape. At the same time, greenish tangerines can last longer.
Storing tangerines at home
Where to store tangerines? They can be placed in one of the compartments of the refrigerator, taken out to a glassed-in balcony, or lowered into the cellar. It is in these places that optimal temperature conditions can be ensured. Air must be supplied to the tangerines. To do this, they can be placed in a perforated box. The main thing is not to use a closed plastic bag for this purpose. If there is no air supply, moisture may accumulate. This will lead to damage to valuable stocks and the appearance of rot.
If tangerines are not placed in a cold place, but are tried to be stored at room temperature, the fruit will only be stored for a week. In a box, tangerines should be placed in no more than three layers. Otherwise they will not be stored well.
Where and how to store tangerines
It is recommended to store tangerines in a special compartment of the refrigerator designed to accommodate vegetables and fruits. If difficulties arise with choosing a compartment, then care must be taken to create the optimal temperature. For tangerines, the mark should not exceed +6 degrees. If the temperature is too low or, conversely, too high, the tangerines will either begin to spoil or freeze, which will also ruin their taste.
There are several tricks and rules that can help extend the shelf life of tangerines.
:
- if you lightly rub the peel of tangerines with vegetable oil, their surface will look fresh throughout the entire storage period (you must use a minimum amount of oil);
- if possible, it is better to buy tangerines with a sprig (such citrus fruits last longer and retain an attractive appearance);
- You cannot store tangerines in a plastic bag or cling film (citrus fruits definitely need air);
- During storage, the tangerines must be provided with sufficient moisture and the peel must not be allowed to dry out);
- tangerines should be stored in a net in the refrigerator;
- tangerines with the first signs of drying or rotting must be isolated from other fruits (otherwise the entire supply of citrus fruits will quickly deteriorate);
- if the apartment has an insulated or not ventilated balcony, then you can store tangerines here in winter (it is better to use a wooden box without a lid and with gaps between the slats as a storage container);
- It is not recommended to store tangerines at room temperature (citrus fruits spoil very quickly in such conditions);
- if there are damages on the surface of the tangerine, then they should be eaten first (such citrus fruits cannot be stored);
- During storage, tangerines must be inspected (if spoiled citrus fruits are identified, they must be removed).
How to choose tangerines with a long shelf life?
How to store tangerines? Their shelf life, first of all, depends on the choice of quality fruits. Therefore, while in a supermarket or any other retail outlet, you need to carefully examine each tangerine that a person puts in a basket. It should be without the slightest dent or any other defect. If there is even a slight error, you do not need to buy this fruit. It probably won't last long. After all, the presence of defects in the peel leads to the fact that air enters the fruit, and thereby the integrity of the tangerine is compromised. Subsequently, it can very soon begin to rot. If problems with the integrity of the peel are not detected in time, you can expect other tangerines to be subjected to this unpleasant process.
The level of ripeness of a tangerine can be determined by how well its peel separates from the pulp. The skin of a ripe fruit seems to be too big for it, so it is perfectly separated from the pulp. This tangerine will delight you with its amazing taste, but the tropical fruit will not last long. Therefore, there is no need to buy such delicious tropical fruits in advance. If the tangerine needs to sit for some time (for example, before the New Year holidays), then it is better that it be a little greenish.
Peel - natural protection
Its peel naturally helps preserve the juicy pulp of the tangerine. It contains phytoncides and essential oils that have antibacterial and other protective properties. So, when eating a tangerine, do not rush to throw away the peel. It can be dried and added to tea or baked goods.
Even if you just intensively crush the fresh peel in your palms and then lightly wipe your face with them, you will nourish your skin and save a little on expensive cosmetics (if you are allergic, then this tip is not for you). Mandarin essential oil is included in many of them. It is also used for medical purposes to stimulate digestion and increase appetite, reduce blood sugar levels, treat bronchitis and other diseases of the upper respiratory tract, and strengthen the nervous system. It is believed that tangerine essential oil has a beneficial psycho-emotional effect: it relieves fatigue and tension, gives vigor and improves mood!
So, to paraphrase the classics, we can safely say: store tangerines in barrels!
Specifics of choosing fruits
It is important to choose those tangerines in which every pore is clearly visible. This means that their deposit is Abkhazia or Morocco. It is in these countries that charming, delicious tangerines with porous skin are grown. If tangerines are very smooth in appearance, there is a high probability that they have been treated with wax. This often happens with imported varieties. Unscrupulous sellers try in any way to increase the shelf life of a tropical product. Therefore, fruits from supermarkets must be washed.
Long-term storage of tangerines is possible
Many people think that long-term storage of vitamins is impossible, and therefore they are purchased last. However, it is not entirely correct. Tangerines can and should be bought in advance. This is especially true during the pre-holiday period, when sellers significantly increase the cost of goods. In order not to succumb to such a provocation, you should purchase tropical fruits in advance. Then you can calmly watch how your neighbors have to buy tangerines at higher prices.
How to properly store tangerines? Preserving citrus fruits purchased in advance is not difficult at all. The main thing is to remember that they need a special temperature regime, so they do not need to be left in places with room temperature. They should be in a cooler place. This can be not only a refrigerator, but also a cellar, balcony, temporary shed. The storage of vitamins must be approached with the utmost care. To do this, you need to read the advice of experienced people and follow them.
If such tropical fruits have to be purchased in advance, then you need to pay special attention to their selection. It will depend on him how long the tangerines can last.
Now you know how to store tangerines at home. You can safely go shopping for citrus fruits. Bon appetit!
