Yes, even if you’re peeling them.
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I love to use orange zest in my favorite biscotti recipe. I rinse the orange under running water, then dry it off before I get out the grater. But if I just want an orange to eat, I sometimes don’t even think about washing it—I figure I’m taking off the peel anyway.
Oranges should always be washed well, no matter how you’re going to eat them, says Gabriela Swamy, PhD, professor at San Jose State University and member of the Institute of Food Technologists’ Fruit & Vegetable Products Division. “Oranges may have wax, dirt, and pesticide residue on the peel,” Swamy says. “Washing prevents transferring contaminants from the skin to your hands or inside when cutting or peeling.”
Fortunately, oranges are easy to clean, says registered dietitian nutritionist Nichole Dandrea-Russert, MS, RDN. “Rinse the orange under running water while rubbing it firmly with your hands,” she suggests. “For the best results, use a vegetable scrub brush while running under water.”
You don’t have to get fancy and use soap or a produce wash. “It’s not recommended to wash oranges with detergent, bleach solutions, or other chemicals because the peel is porous and can absorb the chemicals,” Dandrea-Russert says. “This is not ideal for health and may also change the texture and flavor of the orange.”
How to Store Oranges So They Last
Don’t wash oranges as soon as you bring them home. Lingering moisture can cause them to go bad quickly. “It’s best to wash oranges just before enjoying or using in a dish to prevent early spoilage or bacterial growth,” says Dandrea-Russert. “If you prefer to wash oranges when you get home and store them for later, make sure they’re completely dry before storing them.”
“Store oranges in a breathable mesh bag or leave them loose in your produce drawer to allow for plenty of ventilation and avoid trapping moisture, which can lead to early spoilage,” Dandrea-Russert says. “If your produce drawer has high humidity, consider placing a paper towel on the bottom of the drawer to trap excess moisture.”
Swamy points out that properly stored oranges can last in the fridge for 3 to 4 weeks and at room temperature for just about a week.
How To Tell if an Orange Has Gone Bad
There are a few ways to tell if an orange is past its prime. “Oranges should be firm without discolored or mushy parts,” Dandrea-Russert says. “Soft, mushy, discolored areas may indicate spoilage.”
If you see white, green, or blue fuzzy areas on the peel or by the stem, that can be a sign of mold. Be sure not to eat any oranges that might have mold. If skin is wrinkled or dried-out, that can mean an orange is dry inside and won’t be very tasty.
If you have loads of oranges that you aren’t sure you can use before they start going bad, the easiest thing is to make fresh orange juice. “You can freeze oranges by washing and peeling them, then storing the segments in a freezer-safe airtight container,” Dandrea-Russert says. “Use up excess oranges by thinking outside the box (or searching for recipes using oranges!) to create fun and exciting citrus-flavored dishes.”
