Oranges are a tasty and healthy snack, but what if you have too many? You might wonder if you can save them for future use. Good news! You can freeze oranges to enjoy them for months to come.
There are several ways to freeze fresh oranges. You can freeze them whole, sliced, or as juice. Each method works well for different uses. Frozen oranges are great for smoothies, baking, and even a cool treat on hot days.
Freezing oranges is easy and helps you keep that vitamin C boost year-round. It’s smart to use up a surplus of oranges and avoid food waste by increasing their shelf life. Plus, you’ll always have oranges on hand for recipes or snacks. Let’s look at how to freeze your oranges and get the most out of this yummy citrus fruit.

Simple Steps for Preparation and Freezing
Freezing oranges is easy and helps you save these tasty citrus fruits for later. You can freeze the whole fruit, or in segments, and as juice. Here are some simple and different methods to do it.
Can you Freeze Oranges?
Yes, you can freeze oranges! It’s a great way to keep them fresh longer. You can freeze whole oranges, slices, or juice. Frozen oranges last 3-6 months or more in the freezer.
To freeze whole oranges, wash and dry them first. Put them on a baking sheet and freeze until solid. Then move them to a freezer bag. Squeeze out excess air before sealing.
For orange slices, peel and cut oranges into segments. Lay the pieces on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Freeze, then transfer to a freezer bag.
You can also freeze orange juice in ice cube trays. Once frozen, pop out the cubes and store them in a freezer bag.
Segmenting and Juicing
To freeze orange segments, start by peeling the fruit. Break it into sections, removing any seeds. Lay the segments on a baking sheet and freeze until solid. Then put them in a freezer bag.
For juice, squeeze your oranges and pour the juice into ice cube trays or small containers. Leave some space at the top for the juice to expand as it freezes.
You can also freeze orange slices in syrup. Mix 2 cups sugar with 3 cups water. Heat until the sugar dissolves. Let it cool, then pour over the orange slices in a container. Leave some space at the top before sealing and freezing.
Related Post: Can You Freeze Costco Croissants?
Zesting and Peeling
Orange zest freezes well too. Use a grater or zester to remove the colored part of the peel. Avoid the white pith, which can be bitter. Spread the zest on a baking sheet to freeze, then transfer to a freezer bag.
To freeze orange peels, cut them into strips with a sharp knife or vegetable peeler. Lay the strips on a cookie sheet and freeze. Once solid, move them to a freezer-safe bag.
You can also freeze whole oranges with the peel on. This works well if you plan to use the zest later.
What You Need

Packing Techniques
Dry packing is good for whole, ripe oranges or segments. Just put them in a freezer bag or airtight container. Squeeze out as much air as possible to prevent freezer burn.
For syrup packing, mix sugar and water as mentioned earlier. This method works well for orange slices. It helps preserve color and flavor.
You can also freeze oranges in juice. Pack peeled segments in their own juice or store-bought orange juice. This keeps them moist and flavorful.
Always label your containers with the date and contents. Use freezer-safe bags or containers to keep your oranges fresh. Remove as much air as you can before sealing to prevent ice crystals from forming.
Using Frozen Oranges
Frozen oranges can be handy in many recipes. They’re easy to thaw and use in different ways.
Thawing Frozen Oranges
To thaw frozen oranges, put them in the fridge overnight. This slow method keeps the fruit’s texture best. For faster thawing, place them in a bowl of cool water for about an hour.
If you need orange zest, grate the frozen peel before it thaws. The zest comes off easily when frozen.
For juicing, let the oranges thaw at room temperature for a few hours. Slightly frozen fruit is easier to squeeze and yields more juice.
Culinary Uses
Frozen oranges work great in smoothies. Just toss frozen orange pieces into your blender with other fruits for a cold, refreshing drink.
You can use thawed oranges in delicious fruit salads or fruit cakes. Cut them into bite-sized pieces and mix them with other fruits.
Frozen orange juice is perfect for making refreshing drinks. Pour it into ice cube trays before freezing. Pop out a cube or two when you need a quick flavor boost.

Try using frozen orange slices as ice cubes in your drinks. They’ll keep your beverage cold and add a citrus kick as they melt.
How to Freeze Oranges
Equipment
- Baking sheet
- Parchment paper or silicone mat
- Freezer-safe bags or airtight containers
- Marker (for labeling)
Ingredients
- Fresh oranges - as many as you’d like
Instructions
Prepare the Oranges:
- Wash the oranges thoroughly under cold water. Dry them completely with a towel.
Peel, Slice, Zest, or Juice the Oranges:
- Option 1 (Segments): Peel the oranges and separate them into individual segments. Remove any seeds and excess pith.
- Option 2 (Slices or Wedges): If you prefer to freeze the oranges with the peel on, slice them into wedges or rounds.
- Option 3 (Juice): Juice orange using preferred juicing method. Strain juice through a fine-mesh strainer (optional), then pour into ice cube trays.
- Option 4 (Orange Zest): Use a grater or zester to remove the colored part of the peel. Spread the zest on a baking sheet to freeze, then transfer to a freezer bag.
Prepare for Freezing:
- Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone mat. Place the orange segments, slices, or wedges in a single layer on the sheet, making sure they don’t touch each other. This will prevent them from sticking together during freezing.
Freeze the Oranges:
- Place the baking sheet in the freezer for 2-3 hours, or until the oranges are frozen solid. With the orange juice leave some space at the top for the juice to expand as it freezes.
Store the Oranges:
- Once frozen, transfer the oranges into freezer-safe bags or airtight containers. Label the bags or containers with the date, and store them in the freezer. Frozen oranges can last for up to 6 months.
Notes
Nutritional info is an estimate and provided as courtesy. Values may vary according to the ingredients used. Please use your preferred nutritional calculator for more detailed and personalised calculations.
Frequently Asked Questions
Freezing oranges can bring up some common questions. Here are answers to a few key things you might wonder about when freezing this citrus fruit.
Frozen oranges can stay good for 3 to 6 months. The exact time depends on how you store them. Whole oranges last longer than slices or segments.
Make sure to use airtight containers or freezer bags. This keeps the oranges fresh and prevents freezer burn.
Yes, it’s fine to eat oranges after freezing. The texture might change a bit, but they’re still safe and tasty.
Frozen oranges work well in recipes. You can use them in baked goods, sauces, or drinks.
Frozen oranges are great for smoothies! They add a cold, frosty texture and bright citrus flavor.
You don’t even need to thaw them first. Just toss the frozen orange pieces right into your blender with the other ingredients.