How to Freeze Oranges the Easy Way

Do you enjoy fresh oranges but have more than you can possible eat? If so, you can easily freeze oranges for later use! Once properly frozen they will keep for up to 1 year in the freezer. They can be frozen in slices, quarters, wedges, or left whole.

Before getting started with the process you want to wash all of them under cool running water. Use a clean cotton towel to dry them. Use only fruits that are slightly under-ripe or ripe. Don’t use overly-ripe fruits.

Here’s how you can freeze fresh oranges:

* Slices and Quarters – You can leave the peels on or take them off.  Slice into 1/8″ to 1/4″ thick slices or slice the fruit into quarters.

* Wedges – I prefer removing them peels if I’m freezing wedges. Once the peel has been removed pick off any membranes and separate into invidual wedges.

* Whole – Obviously, you’ll want to leave the peel on.

To prevent freezer burn and to save on space…I prefer to use zipper close freezer bags.  Get out your bags, a cutting board, knife, a citrus peeler, a measuring cup, and permanent marker.

Prepare the fruit as stated above. I like to measure out my portions in 1-cup and 2-cup portions, you can use whatever portions are appropriate for your family size. Pack your desired portion into a plastic zipper closure bag. Purge out air, zip close. Label and freeze. I recommend stacking the bags in the freezer flat, one on top of the other.  If you’re preparing whole ones, place 6-8 in one a gallon size bag. Don’t overload it due to weight.

NOTE: Oranges will expand a little bit during the freezing process due to their water and juice content. Leave space in your bags and containers to accomodate for this!

Larger Portion Sizes – If you plan on freezing larger portion sizes I recommend doing the following. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone non-stick baking mat. Lay the slices, quarters, and wedges in a single layer on the sheet. Place in the freezer for 2-3 hours. Remove. Immediately pack into bags or containers. Why this step? This will help prevent larger portions from clumping together.

Thawing: You can thaw at room temperature for 3-4 hours or overnight in the refrigerator. I recommend eating them or using them within a few hours of them being thawed! So, only thaw what you think you need!

Uses: Obviously, they’re not exactly as good as fresh, but they’re great used in your baking recipes, to season meat or fish, as garnishes on plates, in fruit smoothies, to make homemade fruit juices, tossed into a gelatin fruit salad, in cocktails and mocktails, etc.

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