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Can You Freeze Navel Oranges?

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By Olivia Sheppard

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Reading Time: 4 minutes

Navel oranges are probably one of the most popular fruits around, and are extremely nutritious! They are accessible nearly all year round, though are in their prime during winter, and make for a refreshing snack or treat. But is there a way in which you can preserve them?

Can You Freeze Navel Oranges?

Yes, you can freeze navel oranges for up to 12 months. There are several different methods that work, depending on how you will use the oranges later on. Oranges can be frozen peeled, unpeeled, sliced, or whole and will keep for up to a year.

Do Navel Oranges Freeze Well? Yes

Can You Refreeze Navel Oranges? No

How to Freeze Navel Oranges

One may imagine that freezing oranges could be as simple as just throwing the oranges into the freezer, but unfortunately, it is not that easy.

There are a few steps you will need to take to ensure perfectly frozen oranges which can still be used once thawed, and how you freeze them will also affect how you can use them in the future.

We’ve got 3 options for freezing navel oranges explained below:

How to Freeze Whole Navel Oranges 

Freezing navel oranges whole is the best method if you are wanting to extract fresh orange juice later on.

  1. Choose the Best Oranges
    The ripest and freshest oranges will work best. 
  2. Place Into a Bag
    Place the whole oranges into a freezer safe airtight bag and squeeze out all the air, creating a vacuum.
  3. Label, Date and Freeze
    Write the name of the food and date of freezing on a label, put onto the bag and then place into the freezer for up to 6 months. 

How to Freeze Unpeeled Navel Orange Slices

Unpeeled orange slices will work great as a garnish for some desserts or cocktails. If you are hosting a party, this is a very handy method to be familiar with though it does require some dexterity. 

  1. Prepare Navel Oranges
    Slice the oranges into semi circles or rings, being sure to keep the skin in tact. 
  2. Grab a Baking Sheet
    Find a large baking sheet and line it with greaseproof paper.
  3. Lay Out the Orange Slices
    Arrange the orange slices on the baking tray, being sure that none of them are touching otherwise they will freeze together. 
  4. Freeze
    Slide the baking tray into the freezer and freeze the orange slices for 4 hours. 
  5. Bag and Freeze Again
    Once the slices are frozen solid, tip the orange slices into a freezer safe bag and place back in the freezer for 10-12 months.

How to Freeze Peeled and Cut Navel Oranges

Peeled and cut navel oranges will make a great snack, so if you are looking for a quick bite to eat, it is best to freeze the oranges in the following way. 

  1. Prepare Oranges
    Peel and cut the oranges into your desired amount, being sure to remove the thick white rind. 
  2. Place Into Bags
    Simply place the cut oranges into freezer safe bags and remove any excess air, again creating a vacuum. 
  3. Freeze
    Place the freezer bag of orange slices into the freezer and keep for up to 10-12 months. 

3 Tips for Freezing Navel Oranges

Now you know how to freeze them, we’ve got our 3 top tips which we strongly recommend following when freezing navel oranges to have the best results:

Plan Ahead
As you can see, deciding what you are going to be using the oranges for in the future will impact how you freeze them so plan ahead. You could alternatively freeze them in a variety of ways so that you have the choice!

Freeze Orange Juice Too!
If you have made a batch of fresh orange juice, why not freeze this as well? Pour the freshly squeezed orange juice into ice cube trays and store!

Mix With Other Fruit
Orange slices will make a great accompaniment to a fruit salad, so try slicing up the navel oranges and adding them to a bowl of fruit salad that can then also be frozen.

How Long Can You Freeze Navel Oranges?

You can freeze navel oranges in various different forms from 6-12 months, just be sure to check on them every now and then for signs of spoiling.

You Can Freeze Navel Oranges for up to 12 Months

How Do You Defrost Navel Oranges?

Although there are many different ways to freeze oranges depending on what you are going to be using them for, thawing them is much simpler.

Simply remove your orange (doesn’t matter if it is whole, peeled or unpeeled) and allow it to thaw on the counter for 4-6 hours. The whole oranges may take slightly longer depending on their size.

You can then use the oranges as if they were fresh.

Can You Refreeze Navel Oranges?

It is not recommended to refreeze oranges. Given they have such a high water content, there is the risk of ice crystals forming and ruining the texture of the orange.

It may also make the flesh very icy, taking away from the lovely juicy inside they are meant to have.

Do Navel Oranges Freeze Well?

If you have an abundance of navel oranges, they are a great fruit to keep in the freezer in various forms so that you can enjoy fresh juice, slices or peel to have in or alongside a meal.

They maintain their flavour and nutritional values when stored correctly, and last for up to a year without spoiling!

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