How to Store Oranges to Keep Them Juicy, According to Citrus Experts

There's nothing complicated about how to store oranges to keep them juicy—but for some citrus lovers, it may require creating a new habit or two. If you appreciate the messy delights of a plump navel, Cara Cara, Valencia, or any other type of orange, it's well worth the small effort. We connected with citrus experts who shared valuable storage pointers for maximum juiciness, ensuring you'll never endure the disappointment of a dried-out segment again.

Check the Season

Considered a winter fruit, oranges are typically in season from late fall to early spring, with many types hitting their peak flavor stride from December through March, give or take a month on either side. Navels, for example, are best from November to April; blood oranges, from December to April. Valencia, renowned for its high juice content, breaks the mold: Available from March to September, it's regarded as a "summer orange."

Shop for Maximum Juiciness

An orange's juiciness has much to do with storage but also hinges on the condition it's in at the time of purchase—and what type you choose. "First, select the right oranges," suggests Desiree Pardo Morales, founder and president of Tropical Fruit Box, a Miami-based online purveyor of tropical and exotic fruits.

Color story: Morales explains that the freshest oranges are brightly colored, have thinner skin, and have a more solid feel.

Substantial fruit: "Choose a firm, heavy orange when buying as they tend to be juicier," agrees Cassie Howard, senior director of category management and marketing for Sunkist, a citrus growers cooperative.

How to Store Oranges to Keep Them Juicy

Fridge vs. Countertop: There's nothing wrong with piling your oranges in a pretty bowl on the kitchen countertop—as long as you make it a temporary roosting spot. Only keep them at room temperature for a few days, says Howard. "If storing at room temperature, keep them out of direct sunlight—they prefer a cool, dark environment," she adds.

Ultimately, the fridge’s crisper bin is your friend when it comes to maintaining the juicy joys of citrus.

Cold storage: "Ideal storage temperature for citrus fruit is between 40 to 45 degrees, which is probably colder than the countertop and warmer than the refrigerator. That said, storing citrus in the fridge will help maintain the product quality for longer than room temp," explains Riley Davies, produce category manager at Misfits Market, an online grocer.

Crisper solution: "Oranges stay fresh the longest if stored in a refrigerator’s crisper drawer because the cold temperatures slow down ripening and preserve freshness," Howard explains.

Crisper Tips

Before tucking your haul into the crisper bin willy-nilly, consider the following:

Air circulation: Store the oranges in mesh bags to manage airflow and prevent any moisture build-up, Morales says.

Dry storage: Avoid washing the oranges until right before use, and consume the oranges within a few days, Howard says. After cutting, they should be eaten or juiced right away.

Spoiler alert: Think about which fruits they keep company with in the crisper. Oranges emit a small amount of ethylene gas, so they shouldn't come in contact with apples and bananas, which may prompt spoilage. "You can store them with avocados, lemons, and other citrus fruits," Morales says.

For Really Juicy Oranges

While crisper storage is optimal, especially for longer-term keeping, eating enjoyment also plays a key part here: If you want a full-on flavorful juice-dribble experience, plan ahead and allow your oranges to lose some of their chill. "Like a fine red wine, if you're keeping your oranges in the fridge, ideally, you would pull them out about an hour before you want to eat," Davies says. The flavor will be more intense if they aren't as cold, she adds.

Too cold: If citrus is stored too cold, it can lose some of its luscious juiciness, Davies notes. To increase juiciness, let them warm up before cutting, she says. 

Roll it: There's another simple trick to counteract the cold and intensify the juiciness. "Firmly rolling the citrus on a hard surface could help rupture some of the juice sacs, making the fruit more productive juice-wise!" Davies says.