Unfortunately, they can tend to mold quickly if not stored properly, even if you just bought them! If you’re wondering why your clementines spoil so quickly and how to store them longer, this article is for you. We will explore the different storage methods and offer tips for storing them correctly to preserve their freshness for longer. Check out all the best tips for keeping your next bag of clementines fresh from start to finish!
How to store clementines longer?
One of the best ways to preserve clementines longer is to store them in a cool, dry place. The ideal temperature for storing clementines is between 7°C and 12°C. If you can find a spot in your home or garage that matches this temperature range, you should keep your clementines there. They should also be kept out of direct sunlight, which can cause them to ripen too quickly and cause them to become soft or discolored. Also, keep clementines away from heat sources such as ovens and radiators, as they will spoil more quickly.
You can also preserve the freshness of your clementines in the refrigerator.
Storing clementines in the fridge is the best way to keep them fresh and juicy for as long as possible. Therefore, let’s answer the following question: how to store clementines in the refrigerator? Here’s how:
- Store or put the clementines in a mesh bag.
- Put the clementines in the vegetable compartment of the refrigerator.
- Check every other day if the clementines are rotten and discard the bad ones.
- Refrigerated clementines will keep for up to two weeks.
Other tips to consider!
- Most clementines already come in a mesh bag. The ideal is to use this mesh bag. In the absence of a mesh bag, a sufficiently ventilated container can be used. The container should be vented all the way around the clementines, like the mesh bag does.
- If you don’t have a suitable mesh bag, place the clementines loosely in the drawer. Be careful not to place other objects on or near the fruit. The bag is ideal for protecting them from bruising, excessive movement and damage.
- Above all, clementines should not be stored in a plastic bag or container without ventilation.
- Do not wash the clementines before eating them. Even if you don’t eat the skin, you still need to wash them before peeling or cutting them. Bacteria can be transferred from the skin to the flesh when peeling or cutting.
- Wash each clementine separately under running water. If you place them together in a bowl or sink filled with water, contamination can spread from one clementine to another.
Put them in the fridge!
It is best to leave clementines unpeeled until ready to eat, as the skin protects them from rapid oxidation and dehydration from exposure to air and light. If you plan to peel the clementines ahead of time for convenience, immediately place them in an airtight container or zip-top bag after peeling them so they don’t dry out or become soggy from the weather. moisture loss. Also be sure to consume peeled clementines within two days of preparation, otherwise they may spoil more quickly than if they were unpeeled.
Bring a wooden crate!
If you end up with a large quantity of clementines and your fridge can’t hold them all, the best solution is to place them in a cardboard box or wooden crate.
Beforehand, be sure to line the bottom with paper to ensure better wedging, then arrange the citrus fruits in three rows. Separate each row with a little more paper, then place the box in a place where the temperature remains between 4 and 6°C. This will keep clementines in great shape for several weeks, provided they are stored away from fruits such as oranges, lemons and grapefruits, which require different conditions to retain their freshness.
In fact, storing clementines near other citrus varieties can significantly reduce their shelf life due to climatic interference, so it’s best to store them separately when possible.
A temperature between 4 and 6°C is particularly important, because if it is too hot or too cold, the life of your fruit could be reduced. Also, keep the airflow constant and unrestricted, as this helps prevent humidity and reduces the risk of mold growth, which can also significantly reduce shelf life.
