Tangerines are a favorite fruit of many people, distinguished by a sweet taste with a slightly sour note. Like oranges, they are associated with Christmas in Poland, primarily due to the tradition from the times of the Polish People’s Republic, when they were a rare delicacy imported to holidays.
We also like to hang dried fruit slices on the Christmas tree or use them for decoration. However, if we buy a bit more of them, there is a problem with storing them. How to do it properly so that they stay fresh and taste for a long time?
Tangerines should be juicy and firm if they are to be tasty. When pressed, they must not be hard as a rock, but they must not collapse either. When buying tangerines, it is better to choose heavier fruits, because too lightness means that they are already dried. The skin of tangerines should be free of spots and cracks, and their scent should be intense.
However, if we buy more fruit for the holidays, we have to store it somehow. The most important thing is to keep tangerines away from heat sources, as this will negatively affect them. We should keep them away from the radiator so that it does not dry them out. The loss of juiciness means the loss of their main advantage. Dry, hot air also makes it more difficult for the flesh to separate from the skin.
It is best to keep tangerines in a cool, dry place. A basement or pantry will be perfect for this purpose. Storing citrus fruits in the refrigerator is not a good idea because at too low temperatures they may lose their flavor and aroma. The best temperature for storing tangerines is between 1 and 5 degrees Celsius.
The way they are arranged is also important. Individual fruits should not lie on top of each other, but next to each other. This will prevent deformation and the rapid spread of possible mold. Even if we take care of all the details, we should regularly check the fruit and get rid of the moldy ones.
It is worth knowing that clementines are slightly more durable, but equally delicious. They have a thicker skin, so they are more resistant to drying out. Do not keep citrus fruits next to other fruits. It’s best if tangerines they will lie completely separate.
