Conditions and shelf life of tangerines: can they be kept in the refrigerator?

Tangerines are fruits that many people associate with the holidays. In supermarkets, citrus is on the shelves all year round, so residents of large cities do not always need advice on how to properly store tangerines at home so that they do not spoil quickly. People who do not have daily access to such goods or want to purchase fruits at a lower price, which increases before the holidays, often face the problem of storing citrus fruits.

How to choose

Before stocking up on tangerines for future use, it is recommended:

• Carefully inspect the fruit, do not take specimens with damage or signs of disease. In winter, check if citrus fruits are frostbitten. The voids under the skin indicate ripeness of the fruit, which will not “live” long after purchase.
• If you need to purchase citrus fruits in advance for the holiday, you should give preference to unripe fruits.
• Please note that ripe and juicy fruits weigh more than stale ones.

Tangerine planting technology

In places where the absolute minimum winter temperature is -8°C, only tangerines can grow, since among citrus fruits they are the most cold-resistant crop. The soil for planting a tangerine plantation should begin to be prepared 12-24 months in advance. To do this, planting is carried out to a depth of at least 50 cm, and legumes and soil-strengthening grasses are sown. Before starting soil cultivation, manure is applied at a rate of 40 tons per 1 hectare. They prefer to plant seedlings in spring. Tangerines can be propagated from seeds, cuttings, layering and grafting.

1. To germinate seedlings from seeds, you need to take ripe fruits, remove the seeds from them, dry them a little at room temperature, then place them in a moist substrate. After a couple of months, sprouts will begin to appear, and at this time it is important to keep them in a room where the air temperature is not lower than +15°C. In order for such seedlings to be planted in open ground, it will take about a year for them to grow and sufficiently develop the root system.

2. When propagated by grafting, not only the tangerine tree, but also other citrus trees can be used as a rootstock.

3. Reproduction by air layering is no less labor-intensive - for this you need to take young shoots, tilt them slightly, giving them a horizontal position, carefully cut off the bark and wrap the area in damp moss, periodically moistening it to avoid drying out. Over time, the cuttings will begin to take root, after which they can be cut and transplanted into fertile soil for rooting.

4. Propagation by cuttings is a bit like the air layering method. Only for this purpose the shoots are first cut off and then placed in a nutrient medium.

The most reliable and less labor-intensive way to propagate tangerines is to grow from seeds. You can protect yourself from these worries and purchase ready-made seedlings at the nursery. But since this plant at such a tender age is quite fragile and capricious, and suppliers do not always honestly admit what condition these seedlings are actually in, it is possible that half of the purchased planting material will have to be thrown away. Young seedlings can be planted in open ground when they have reached a height of 10-15 cm. And, under no circumstances, not in cold soil. A small dose of organic matter or mineral fertilizers mixed with soil should be placed in the planting holes. After planting, tangerines are watered and mulched.

Storage conditions and periods

Optimal conditions for storing tangerines:

• temperature range from +4 to +8°С;
• humidity is approximately 80-90%.

Maintaining such conditions will preserve citrus fruits for about a month, and the strongest and juiciest specimens, depending on the variety, will last up to 3 months.

When humidity levels are low, tangerines are susceptible to drying out and losing flavor. The optimal places for storing them are a refrigerator, an insulated balcony, a cellar, following the same rules.

Citrus fruits need low temperatures above zero. If it drops below zero, the fruits will lose their special taste and beneficial properties. At the same time, you can freeze tangerines, but after defrosting they are only suitable for making smoothies, compotes, various desserts and ice cream.

Before storing food, you need to carefully sort through it, and discard damaged, soft and rotten ones. Place those that have passed the selection in a separate container.

Storing unripe fruits

If unripe fruits were purchased, then they can also be stored for a long time under favorable conditions, i.e. at the same temperatures as those created for ripe citrus fruits. But if the temperature is +2°C, you shouldn’t expect them to finish. The fruit needs warmth to ripen. For this reason, before you plan to introduce tangerines into your diet, they must be removed from the refrigerator, balcony or basement.

The ripening time will depend on how green the fruit is. If the citrus is almost ripe, it will take 2-3 days. When the fruit is more than half green, it will take 5-6 days to ripen.

We recommend that you familiarize yourself with the area of ​​application of tangerine peels

Before buying unripe fruits, you should keep in mind that their taste is lower than that of ripe ones. Even after the tangerine ripens at home, it will not have the aroma and sweetness that is characteristic of the fruit picked from the tree when ripe.

In a refrigerator

It is better to store tangerines on the bottom shelf of the refrigerator, which is reserved for vegetables and fruits. A cardboard box with air holes, a mesh or a basket is suitable as a container.

Avoid excessively dense layout; it is better to lay the fruits in 1-2 layers. This will preserve their original shape, and under the right conditions, tangerines will last 1-2 months in the refrigerator.

However, it is not recommended to place other fruits or vegetables that emit ethylene (pears, apples, peppers, tomatoes, etc.) next to them. It promotes rapid ripening; under its influence, the orange elastic fruits will overripe and deteriorate.

You cannot keep tangerines in a plastic bag. If there is excessive humidity and lack of air, the fruit will quickly spoil.

If you need to preserve citrus fruits even longer, freezing them in peeled or processed form is suitable. You can also make syrup from them, make tangerine jam or jam, and prepare juice.

Preventive measures

It is not always possible to save a tangerine that is losing its leaves. Therefore, it is important to follow the rules of prevention:

• provide frequent watering with a small amount of warm water;
• spray the tree with a spray bottle;
• fertilize every 2 weeks, alternating mineral and organic;
• ensure optimal temperature and light indicators;
• wash the tangerine in the shower every week;
• inspect for pest damage;
• harden the plant before moving it to new conditions;
• Replant annually for the first 3 years, then once every 2-3 years.

On the balcony

An insulated balcony or loggia is a good place to store citrus fruits. The same requirements for conditions (t° from +4...+8°C and humidity 80-90%), but there is more space on the balcony, which is an advantage.

Wooden boxes with holes for ventilation are ideal containers for storing fruit. In it, excess moisture evaporates and the risk of spoilage becomes significantly less.

To place on the balcony, fruits are placed in containers in 1-2 layers. They should not touch each other, so partitions are placed inside the box, forming cells, the fruits are sprinkled with sawdust or each is wrapped in clean paper. Afterwards, cover the boxes with parchment or cloth, which will protect the contents from direct sunlight and provide air saturation. The “lifetime” of tangerines is the same as in the refrigerator, 1-2 months.

Varieties of tangerines for long-term storage

In order for tangerines to survive as long as possible, it is necessary to create optimal conditions for them. But not only air temperature, humidity, exposure to direct sunlight, and other factors affect the condition of citrus fruits. There are varieties that, even under properly created conditions, cannot be stored for long.

Once they reach maturity, if picked green, they will begin to spoil quickly.

Some fruits may begin to rot while still unripe. For this reason, so that tangerines do not begin to deteriorate a few days after purchase, you should know which variety is most suitable for long-term storage.

Tangerines can also be grown at home. In most cases, such fruits are stored on the bush, i.e. fruits are picked as needed.

The tangerines that have the longest shelf life include Moroccan and Abkhazian varieties. Citrus fruits grown in Turkey and Spain spoil faster. But store shelves do not always indicate the type of fruit or the country from which they were brought.

Moroccan and citrus fruits brought from Georgia have yellow or light yellow zest. Their skin is porous and matte. These tangerines have a distinct sweet taste. Turkish varieties have a glossy skin, while Spanish varieties can be identified by their large size.

Hybrid varieties such as clementines store well. The fruit was developed by crossing a king orange and a mandarin orange. They are often recommended to be purchased not only because you can buy citrus in stock and not worry about how they will start to rot. Such tangerines do not require additional treatment with special preparations that extend their shelf life. For this reason, they are considered the most beneficial and safe for health.

How to preserve the product for as long as possible

Tangerines will not spoil within the specified period if you adhere to the following recommendations:

• Buy fruits with a sprig. They will retain their appearance and properties longer.
• Do not wash tangerines before storing. This should be done only before eating, otherwise the product will quickly deteriorate.
• At home, treat the peel with vegetable oil or wax, dry and place in a prepared container.
• Do not place the fruits closely and do not stack them in several layers; the top ones can crush the bottom ones.
• Create a stable temperature in the place where fruits are stored. Its sharp changes lead to loss of taste of the pulp.
• Keep citrus fruits in a dark place out of direct sunlight.
• Wrap the fruit in paper before placing in the main container.
• Inspect citrus fruits every week, immediately discarding any signs of spoilage. Remove condensation on the peel with a dry soft cloth.

It is not difficult to create the right conditions for long-term storage of tangerines so as not to lose their special taste. The main thing is to correctly determine the location, choose a suitable container and regularly check them for rot and damage. This way you can eat fresh and tasty tangerines for 1-2 months.

Reasons for the falling leaves of indoor tangerines

The fall of greenery in tangerines is a rare phenomenon . If several leaves have fallen off the tree, but the crown has not thinned out, there is no need to worry. The lifespan of each sheet plate is 3 years. Then they fall off, and new greenery grows in their place.

Slight leaf fall can be observed in the fall, usually in November, but this also will not affect the density of the crown. This phenomenon is associated with the cyclical life of the plant.

If leaves fall in large quantities, the plant is inspected for infections and pests, and the growing technology is changed. This problem indicates errors in care.

Note! Mandarin is an evergreen plant. Heavy leaf fall should not be observed even in the cold season.

Unsuitable growing conditions

Indoor citrus fruits are demanding in terms of growing conditions. In an uncomfortable climate, they begin to shed their leaves and turn yellow. The cause of this problem is the following unfavorable factors.

Low or high temperature

For tangerine, room temperature (+20...+22°C) is considered the most comfortable, but the indicators can vary within +18...+26°C. If the temperature is below +2°C, the tree freezes, loses its leaves and dies. At temperatures below +15°C, the plant enters a dormant state, in which it will remain for several months. If, with the arrival of spring, the temperature does not rise to comfortable levels, the tree will begin to shed its leaves. At temperatures above +30°C, the tangerine crown will dry out.

Temperature changes

Sudden temperature changes are detrimental to tangerines. The problem arises if you take the tree outside from the apartment, bring it back into the house, or send it for the winter without first hardening it. To avoid leaf drop and other symptoms of stress, the plant is brought into new conditions gradually, increasing the time it stays there every day.

Drafts

They are dangerous for citrus trees and often cause wilting, yellowing and falling of the crown. Mandarin should not be placed next to an open window or placed in winter on a window whose cracks are blown by a cold wind.

Lack of lighting

The leaves fall off if the tangerine is in the active growth phase in intense light for less than 12 hours. To prevent this problem from arising, the plant is placed on a southern or southwestern windowsill. If there is not enough light, fluorescent lamps are used.

Exposure to the scorching sun

Direct sunlight is as harmful to a tangerine tree as a lack of light. From 12 to 16 o'clock the sun can scorch the leaves. During this period, the window is shaded with a translucent curtain.

Low humidity

Citrus fruits are tropical and subtropical plants. They need high humidity. To ensure suitable conditions, the tree is sprayed daily with warm water in summer, spring and autumn. In winter, if the pot of tangerine is in a cool room, there is no need to do this.

If it is in a heated room, spraying is continued, and an air humidifier or a container of water is placed near the citrus. If the tree is on a windowsill under which there is a battery, hang a damp cloth on the device to protect the plant from hot, dry air.

Wrong wintering

In winter, citrus trees need a state of rest. To ensure this, the temperature is lowered to +8...+10°C. This must be done at least once every 3 years. Otherwise, the tree will become exhausted, begin to dry out and shed its leaves.

Errors in care

The reason for abundant leaf fall often lies in improper care. Let's look at the most common mistakes gardeners make that cause this problem.

Waterlogging of the soil

If you fill the soil, the water will stagnate . In such conditions, fungi and bacteria quickly multiply, the root system rots, and nutrients are washed out of the soil. All this causes leaves to fall.

To avoid such a situation, the tangerine is watered as the top layer of soil dries with a small amount of water in the summer and 2-3 times a week in the winter.

Dry soil

Rare watering also does not contribute to the normal development of citrus fruits. Dry soil encourages the development of certain types of fungi and pests, and also prevents the absorption of nutrients.

No transfers

Transplants are done as the pot fills with the root system. If this is not done, the plant will be cramped, it will not be able to fully develop, and the roots will begin to die. Over the course of several years, the soil in the pot becomes depleted and becomes saturated with harmful salts. This cannot be corrected by fertilizing; a complete replacement of the soil is necessary.

Incorrect transplant

When replanting a tangerine, it is important to work carefully. If the root system is significantly damaged, the leaves dry out and fall off. The same thing happens if the container chosen for transplantation is too small.

Lack of elements

Mandarins often contain flowers, green ovaries, and ripe fruits at the same time. This plant spends a lot of resources on this. So that it has time to recover and does not lose its greenery, fertilize every 1-2 weeks.

Acidic soil

Citrus requires slightly acidic or alkaline soil. In acidic soil, problems with the crown (leaves and branches) begin.

Watering with cold water

To water the lemon, use water whose temperature is as close as possible to the indoor temperature. Cold liquid damages the roots and causes them to rot.

Diseases

Many diseases eventually lead to leaf drop. This is what causes the tree to die. The list shows the most common tangerine diseases with a similar symptom:

1. Chlorosis. Occurs due to iron deficiency. This is caused either by the lack of fertilizing with the required element, or by watering the mandarin with chlorinated water or using fertilizers with chlorine. To get rid of the problem, iron sulfate is added to the soil.
2. Malsecco. The main symptom of this disease is the plant dropping its leaves. Moreover, they begin to fall from the top. The disease cannot be treated; diseased citrus is thrown away.
3. Gommoz. Also leads to thinning of the crown. The disease is recognized by characteristic cracks in the bark and gum secretions. To save the plant, the affected areas are cleaned with a sharp knife, then treated with garden pitch and copper sulfate.
4. Root rot . The disease affects only the root system, so it can only be noticed in the later stages, when the leaves have turned yellow and leaf fall has begun. To save a tree, it is dug up, the roots are washed with warm water, and then all affected areas are cut off. The remaining root system is disinfected with copper sulfate. The treated plant is transplanted into disinfected soil, watered with a root formation stimulator and greenhouse conditions are provided.

Pests

Pests are no less dangerous than diseases. Moreover, the greatest threat is posed by those that feed on plant sap. It is they that lead to abundant leaf fall and the imminent death of the tangerine:

1. Shield. Yellow or brown convex formations appear on the trunk and underside of leaf blades along the veins. To remove the larva, the affected areas are wiped with kerosene or the pest is scraped off directly with a knife. After the main treatment, the wood is washed in the shower and sprayed with soapy water.
2. Spider mite. The inside of the leaf blades is covered with cobwebs and small, often red insects. To get rid of the pest, the tree is washed in the shower and then sprayed with a soap solution. The procedure is repeated every 5 days at least 3 times.
3. Aphid. The inside of the leaves and young shoots are covered with colonies of green or black insects. They are fought like spider mites.
4. Thrips. Small black or transparent insects. The control method is the same as with aphids or spider mites.

Is it possible to save citrus fruits until the New Year?

If you plan to buy fruit in advance for the holiday, then it is important to first think about how to preserve tangerines until the New Year at home. After all, their approximate shelf life is only 10-14 days. However, if you choose the right place to store them and when purchasing, give preference to the best fruits, you can extend their lifespan.

There are several methods on how to preserve any tangerines for the longest time:

• It is better to give preference to fruits on a branch. They are less common, but if you are lucky enough to find one, they can even last at home for up to a month, if stored correctly.
• You need to select fruits on the counter that are free from stains, dents and scratches. If the seller himself puts them in the package, you should definitely check if there are any spoiled ones.

• If among those purchased there are fruits with signs of rotting, you need to remove them from the rest. Otherwise, others will also begin to deteriorate.
• Since tangerines ripen well at home and do not spoil longer, it is better to choose fruits with a greenish crust.
• To keep the appearance attractive for a long time, you can rub the skin with vegetable oil.

Attention! The Internet often advises to rub citrus fruits with wax. This way they are well preserved, but cleaning them later is inconvenient, since the wax sticks to your hands and is difficult to remove.

Benefits of tangerine peel

After you have peeled the tangerines, do not rush to throw away the zest. It has a wide range of applications.

• Citrus peel can be dried, ground in a blender and added to tea, drinks, desserts, and baked goods.
• Pour vodka over the zest and leave for 2-3 weeks. Use tangerine tincture to flavor cupcakes, desserts, and dough.
• Use as a moth repellent and aromatizer. To do this, dry the peel and place it on shelves in the closet.
• Use instead of a cosmetic scrub, pour a small amount of ground zest with warm water.
• Prepare candied fruits or add zest to jam.
• Use as a spice when frying meat. This will add a piquant taste to the finished dish.

Providing yourself with supplies of tangerines is not such a difficult task. It is important to create the required temperature, humidity level, and choose the right fruits and storage containers. Compliance with all requirements will significantly extend the shelf life of orange fruits.

Video: health benefits and harms of tangerines

Watch this video on YouTube

Video: benefits of tangerines

MANDARINS BENEFITS | mandarin beneficial properties, what are the benefits of tangerines, benefits of mandarin,

Watch this video on YouTube

Do you want to understand better than others?

• How long can hard cheese be stored in the freezer at home: the best freezing recipes - It is correct to keep cheese in the refrigerator, but if you want to keep it fresh for a long time, use the freezer. Cheese can be stored in the freezer, like many products. Which…
• Shelf life and features of cottage cheese - Cottage cheese is a type of dairy product, so its shelf life is relatively short. For this reason, it is important to know during what period the purchased…
• Storing chicken eggs - The period during which eggs remain fresh depends on the density of the shell and storage conditions. The tightly formed shell prevents the penetration of oxygen and…
• Rules for long-term storage of cranberries in the refrigerator and without it - Cranberries are a storehouse of useful substances that need to be preserved throughout the winter. It is important that cranberries do not lose their beneficial properties when frozen and long-term storage at home...
• Shelf life of currants in the refrigerator - Coping with a large harvest is not so easy, but the freezing method comes to the aid of the housewife. Fruits and berries, in particular red and black currants, perfectly preserve their…

Diseases and pests of tangerines

Tangerines are often infected with diseases from other types of citrus fruits, so it is advisable to grow them in a remote location. Correct calculation of fertilizers is also important. To find out what the current composition of the soil is, they do a chemical analysis of samples taken from a tangerine plantation, then, based on them, add one or another microelement. Particularly dangerous for tangerines are fungal and bacterial diseases, such as:

• anthracnose;
• wartiness;
• citrus gommosis;
• citrus canker;
• malsecco;
• tristeza;
• root rot.

Citrus diseases quickly spread to healthy trees. Malsecco is especially dangerous - with it, the tree gradually dies, starting from the tips of the shoots, followed by damage to the trunk. With this disease, also called “infectious drying out,” the leaves fall off in an unnatural way, leaving petioles on the branches, the shoots change color and dry out. Even the use of chemicals will not save a diseased tree; it will have to be destroyed. Citrus cancer cannot be cured either. In other cases, trees are sprayed with copper sulfate, formaldehyde solution, and lime. Treatment should be carried out until the trees are completely cured, after which the branches that could not be saved should be removed. Pests of tangerines are spider mites, scale insects, aphids. They are eliminated with Actellik, Karbofos, Aktara. Plant remains must be destroyed.