How to keep your citrus fruits fresh and flavorful for longer

In winter, we eagerly buy various types of citrus fruits: lemons, mandarins, oranges, and grapefruits, among the most popular fruits in the world. However, they sometimes spoil quickly. A few simple rules can help prevent this.

Citrus fruits should have a uniform, intense colour without spots or signs of mould, which indicates their ripeness. Choosing varieties with thick skins is wise, as these better protect the flesh from microorganisms. The skin should not be damaged or scuffed. Citrus fruits shouldn't be too soft, and their scent should be strong, indicating proper transportation conditions. The tastiest are medium-sized fruits. Once you make a purchase, learn how to store citrus fruits so they stay fresh longer.

Citrus fruits can be stored at room temperature for up to two weeks, but it's best to keep them in the refrigerator, where the temperature is between 3 and 8°C. An interesting method is alternating storage—first, a day in the refrigerator, then a few hours at room temperature, and then back to the refrigerator.

Sunlight reduces the freshness of citrus fruits, so they should be stored in a dark place like a pantry or basement. The optimal humidity level is around 60%. If water droplets appear on the fruits, remove them quickly to keep them dry.

To enjoy citrus fruits' freshness longer, consider storing them in paper bags, with a maximum of three or four pieces per bag. This prevents mould from spreading quickly if it appears on one of the fruits. A good solution is to wrap each fruit in paper, which further protects it from mould and damage.

It is also not recommended to place citrus fruits near other fruits. They can produce substances that cause rotting, accelerating the spoilage of citrus fruits. Therefore, keeping oranges, mandarins, or lemons together with apples or bananas may cause them to spoil faster.

The key is to check the condition of the fruits regularly. If one starts to spoil, release juice, become too soft, or you notice any changes, you should immediately dispose of it. This will prevent "infecting" the remaining fruits and ensure longer freshness for the entire batch.