How to Freeze Oranges

Buying oranges when they are in season and freezing them for later use is one way to cut down on expenses at the grocery store. Citrus fruits such as oranges, grapefruits and nectarines will keep for four to six months in the freezer, without showing signs of significant loss in flavor or texture.

The best temperature for storing frozen fruits and vegetables is 0 degrees F. Before preparing and storing a large quantity of food, ensure that your freezer is functioning properly and that the temperature is set appropriately.

How To Freeze Fresh Oranges

1. Select oranges that are firm to the touch. Choose oranges without visible scars, bruises or marks. If you notice darkened areas or areas that are soft to the touch, plan to either discard that piece of fruit or cut out the spots that are affected.

2. Wash and cut the oranges. Use a paring knife to cut away the rind. Cut each orange into sections, following the natural divisions of the fruit. Cut away all of the pith and remove seeds.

3. Make a 40 percent sugar syrup. In a large mixing bowl, combine 3 and 1/4 cups of sugar with 5 cups of cold water. Add 1/2 tsp. ascorbic acid. Mix well, allowing the sugar to dissolve completely. As an alternative to sugar syrup, use all natural fruit juice to pack the oranges.

4. Pack fruit into freezer containers. Select containers that are moisture- and vapor-proof, such as glass jars, metal containers or durable plastic containers. Containers should have tight-fitting lids. Plastic bags may also be used for freezing oranges and other items. Pack fruit tightly into the containers, leaving as little air space as possible.

5. Use a measuring cup to add the sugar syrup or juice to the packaged fruit. Use 1/2 to 2/3 cups of syrup or juice for each pint of fruit to be frozen.

6. Seal containers and label for freezing. Writing the contents of the containers as well as the date that you packaged them will make it easy for you to keep track of the oranges once they are in your freezer.

References:

Colorado State University Extension: Freezing Fruits:
http://www.ext.colostate.edu/pubs/foodnut/09331.html

National Center for Home Food Preservation: Freezing Citrus Fruits:
http://www.uga.edu/nchfp/how/freeze/citrus.html