It’s that time of year again when oranges are plentiful and affordable.
But just because they’re cheap, doesn’t mean you should buy them all.
Or you may have already purchased a bunch and haven’t been able to eat them as quickly as you thought.
Like every other fruit, oranges go bad, and you’ve to be careful when purchasing/eating them so you don’t end up consuming a rotten batch. So, how to tell if an orange is bad?
Look at the skin of the orange to check for discoloration. Further, you can take a whiff of it, and if it smells funky or sour, it’s definitely not good. You can also squeeze one of the oranges and see if there are any dark spots around where you squeezed – that would be a good indicator that your oranges are not fresh anymore.
In this article, I’ll teach you 7 ways to tell if an orange is bad. And don’t worry – there are no special tools required for these tests.
How to Tell if an Orange Is Bad?
Let’s now take a look at 7 easy ways to know if an orange is bad, how long they last, and how to store an orange properly.
1. Discoloration
The first way to tell if an orange is bad is by looking at the skin. An early sign of decay in oranges is when they become sticky due to a buildup of juice on the outside of the fruit.
If there are any parts that are slimy or stick, then it’s likely that your orange has gone bad.
If you have bought oranges from a grocery store, they should be bright in color and not dull-looking. Dull oranges can be either old or bruised which both mean that they are bad.
2. Smell
Another way you can tell if an orange has gone bad is by taking a whiff of it. If its smell is sour or funky, then that means it’s not good anymore and should be thrown out.
You can also sniff around the area where you might have squeezed the orange to detect any dark spots-if there is any present, then that means it’s gone bad.
3. Touch
Press gently on your orange. If there are no soft spots and it feels firm, then it should be fine to eat.
If there is a soft spot, then that means your orange has gone bad and you should throw it out. If the orange feels squishy or watery, then it has likely gone bad.
4. Sliminess
Another way you can tell if an orange has gone bad is by checking for any slime on the skin of the fruit. If it feels slimy, then that means there’s a problem and it should be thrown out immediately.
An early sign of decay in oranges is when they become sticky from accumulated juice on the outside of the fruit.
5. Signs of mold
If your orange is covered in a light film of white fuzz, this can be a sign that there is mold growing inside of it. Once again, this is an indicator that your orange has gone bad and should be thrown out.
6. Texture
You should check the texture of your orange. If it feels extra dry and shriveled up, then that means it’s gone bad.
Dry oranges are not appetizing or tasty at all, so you should definitely throw them out. An orange that still has a bit of juiciness to it is fine and can be enjoyed.
7. Squeezing
One last way to tell if an orange has gone bad is by squeezing it. If the orange is still firm and doesn’t have any dark spots around where you might have squeezed, then it should be fine to eat.
Dark spots show up when there are bruised areas on the fruit-it means that your orange has gone bad.
If your orange has any of these signs that it’s bad, then you should throw it out. If not, then enjoy your fruit.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do oranges go bad?
Yes, oranges can go bad if they’re not stored correctly or if they’re old. If you see any of the signs that we listed above, then it’s best to throw out your orange.
What does a bad orange look like?
A bad orange will have one or more signs of slimy skin, mold growing on it, a sour smell, or dark spots. Here’s a picture to give you a better idea –
Are squishy oranges bad?
Yes, if your orange is squishy, super soft, or watery, then it has probably gone bad and you should throw it out.
What to do with oranges that are going bad?
The best thing to do with oranges that are going bad is to create a natural cleaner for your home using old oranges and vinegar mixture.
You can also compost them. This way, they won’t go to waste and you can still use them in some capacity.
How long do oranges last?
Oranges that are stored correctly will last about three weeks.
If they’re not kept in the fridge, then you should store them on your countertop as long as it’s relatively dry and doesn’t get too cold.
How to store oranges?
The best way to store oranges and increase their shelf life is in a paper bag-this allows for circulation and will prevent mold from growing.
Don’t keep the fruit next to the bananas or other fruits because they produce ethylene which breaks down the cells in your oranges.
Make sure to keep them on a cool countertop that isn’t too wet and place the bag of oranges near the stove if you don’t have room elsewhere.
Don’t place oranges next to your stove as it tends to get hot.
Final Words
By looking at the skin, smelling it, or pressing on it gently, you can determine quickly if an orange has gone bad.
If you’re ever uncertain about whether or not an orange has gone bad, then just follow these simple steps mentioned above.
So now that you know how to tell if orange is bad, why not use this as a tip and stock up on oranges.
