How to spot signs of bad clementines and how to care - Plant Based Narrative (2024)

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It’s fairly easy to spot when clementines are going bad or have gone past their peak freshness. Look for mushy spots, dry or wrinkled skin, an off-putting smell, or mold. If your fruit shows any of these signs, it’s best to discard it.

How to spot signs of bad clementines and how to care - Plant Based Narrative (1)

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Here are more details on if your clementines are past their peak:

Dry and wrinkled: If your clementines are dry, wrinkled, and a little hard, they’ve passed their peak in freshness. Clementines become dry when they are exposed to air for too long and are stored in a dry environment.

Brown spots or black spots: When you see brown or black spots instead of bright orange skin, your clementines have gone bad. This is a sign of dehydration and over-ripeness.

Soft spots and mushy: Opposite to dryness, they can become mushy. You tell if they are too mushy when your fingers can easily collapse into them when holding. Typically this means they’ve been exposed to other fruits nearby or are kept in a humid environment.

Weird smell: Get a good whiff of your fruit before peeling it. If your clementines have an unpleasant smell, they have gone bad. This means they have started to grow bacteria that will result in mold.

Mold: The most obvious indication of bad clementines is mold. Citrus fruits can develop mold when exposed to added moisture from humidity and other fruits. The mold typically starts with white spots and can progress to a green color. It is best to discard any clementines that are touching a moldy one to prevent the mold from spreading.

Composting clementines is best for discarding them, do that when possible.

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How to store clementines:

To prevent your clementines from spoiling too soon, keep them at room temperature in a dry place away from direct sunlight and other fruits. They can be stored in a container with plenty of air circulation on the countertop for one to two weeks. A basket or colander would work well. If you’d like this fresh fruit to last longer, store them as the whole fruit in the crisper drawer of your refrigerator for three to four weeks. Always wash and peel before snacking!

Another way for an easy snack is to peel the clementines and separate the pieces like you would orange slices. Then store them in a glass airtight container in the refrigerator. Storing clementines in glass keeps them fresh longer, but you can store them in a plastic-sealed container as well.

What are clementines?

Clementines, nicknamed “Cuties” are small sweet citrus that is seedless. They’re similar to a mandarin orange because they’re a spontaneous hybrid of Mandarin and a sweet orange. They have thin skin similar to an orange peel and are in season during the winter months. They are a beautiful bright orange and easy to peel, as the skin is loose fitting on the fruit. This fresh fruit is an excellent plant-based snack! Clementines are nutrient-dense and easy to throw in a bag for a snack on the go. Since they are in the citrus family, they of course are high in Vitamin C. They are also a great source of fiber and antioxidants. Clementines have a low glycemic index, so they won’t spike your blood sugar levels.

How to spot signs of bad clementines and how to care - Plant Based Narrative (2)

How long do clementines last?

For the longest shelf life, the best way to store fresh clementine is on the countertop in a container with plenty of air circulation. When doing this clementine oranges will last for one to two weeks. When they are stored in the refrigerator, they will last for three to four weeks before they start spoiling. When picking up a bag of clementines at the grocery store, look for smooth skin that is a vibrant orange. Make sure to look over each of the small citrus fruit and check for signs of the spoiling process.

When are clementines in season?

You can typically find clementines in the store from October to March, but they are at their peak and taste best from November to January. My family and I love that they’re in season during the colder months. They are an easy swap for berries that are in season during the summer months.

How to spot signs of bad clementines and how to care - Plant Based Narrative (3)

Conclusion:

Clementines are going bad or have gone past their peak freshness when you notice mushy spots, dry or wrinkled skin, an off-putting smell, or mold. If your fruit shows any of these signs, it’s best to discard it.

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How to spot signs of bad clementines and how to care - Plant Based Narrative (2024)

FAQs

How to spot signs of bad clementines and how to care - Plant Based Narrative? ›

Clementines

Clementines
A clementine (Citrus × clementina) is a tangor, a citrus fruit hybrid between a willowleaf mandarin orange (C. × deliciosa) and a sweet orange (C. × sinensis), named in honor of Clément Rodier, a French missionary who first discovered and propagated the cultivar in Algeria.
https://en.wikipedia.org › wiki › Clementine
are going bad or have gone past their peak freshness when you notice mushy spots, dry or wrinkled skin, an off-putting smell, or mold. If your fruit shows any of these signs, it's best to discard it.

How to know when clementines are bad? ›

You'll know when fresh citrus has gone bad because the texture and scent are off. "Minor discoloration on the rind is normal," says Ward. "If it has a sour or fermented taste or smell, those are good signs to discard."

How to tell if easy peelers are bad? ›

Common Easy Peeler Defects
  1. Handling Damage. The skin of an easy peeler detaches easily, so it's better to cut the actual stem of the fruit rather than pulling it loose from the branch. ...
  2. Pests. ...
  3. Skin Defects. ...
  4. Bruising. ...
  5. Open Wounds. ...
  6. Mold/Decay. ...
  7. Softness. ...
  8. Silver Stripes/Russet.

What does a bad mandarin look like? ›

Wilting, discoloration, and stunted growth are the red flags of a Mandarin orange in distress.

How to tell when mandarin oranges are bad? ›

Look at the fruit – are there any signs of spoilage like discoloration, mold, soft texture, dry skin or a sour smell? Discard the fruit if any of these show up.

Should clementines be stored in the fridge or room temperature? ›

To keep Cuties Clementines as sweet and fresh as possible, simply store them in the refrigerator. The cooler temperature will keep them juicy and fresh for two to three weeks.

How long should a Clementine last? ›

When stored at room temperature, most clementines will last up to two or three days. If the fruit was in excellent condition starting out and the conditions of the room are ideal, you may even be able to store the clementines in this manner for a full week.

What do cuties look like when they go bad? ›

It's fairly easy to spot when clementines are going bad or have gone past their peak freshness. Look for mushy spots, dry or wrinkled skin, an off-putting smell, or mold. If your fruit shows any of these signs, it's best to discard it.

What is the difference between halos and cuties? ›

Cuties, technically considered mandarins or clementines, are the perfect kid-sized, seedless snack. Halos are too, although they are a little larger and slightly more acidic. Tangerines are a very sweet and very close cousin to clementine, and tangelos are a hybrid of tangerines and pomelos.

What is the green stuff on my clementines? ›

Penicillium digitatum (/ˌpɛnɪˈsɪliəm ˌdɪdʒɪˈteɪtəm/) is a mesophilic fungus found in the soil of citrus-producing areas. It is a major source of post-harvest decay in fruits and is responsible for the widespread post-harvest disease in Citrus fruit known as green rot or green mould.

Are cuties clementines or mandarins? ›

Q: What is a CUTIE®? A: CUTIES® are actually two varieties of mandarins: Clementine mandarins, available November through January; and W. Murcott mandarins, available February through April. CUTIES® have several distinct characteristics that make them the perfect anytime, anywhere snack.

What's the difference between a mandarin and a Clementine? ›

Clementines are the smallest type of mandarin orange. They are super sweet, seedless, and have red-orange skins that are smooth and shiny. The mandarins you see in grocery stores called Cuties and Sweeties are Clementines. They are easier to peel than tangerines, but not as easy to peel as Satsumas.

What are the black spots on my clementines? ›

Citrus black spot is caused by the fungus Phyllosticta citricarpa. It is spread through leaf litter, from fruit to fruit and leaves through rain splash, and through human-assisted movement. When trees are severely infected, fruit may drop prematurely, resulting in significant yield loss.

What to do with clementines that are going bad? ›

If you can't make all of these lovely clementine recipes before they all go off, then I'd go ahead and zest what's left, then juice them. Freeze the zest, and the juice, and you'll be able to make recipes that require orange juice and orange zest for a good long while. (The zest is culinary gold - don't toss it!)

How to tell if clementines are good? ›

Choose a crate of clementines that have fruits with a glossy, uniform, bright-orange color all around. Avoid crates that contain fruit with blemishes, dull spots, and signs of green near the stem or on the skin that look a little tough. Clementines should have soft, think skin.

When should you throw away oranges? ›

How to Tell When Oranges Are Bad. Some tell-tale signs of oranges that are past their prime are bruising, shriveled peels, and mushy spots. Fresh oranges should be firm when you give them a gentle squeeze. Of course, if your oranges are growing mold or giving off a foul smell, throw them out ASAP.

Is it OK to eat old clementines? ›

Conclusion: Clementines are going bad or have gone past their peak freshness when you notice mushy spots, dry or wrinkled skin, an off-putting smell, or mold. If your fruit shows any of these signs, it's best to discard it.

Can you over eat clementines? ›

In the case of clementines, you can definitely have too much of a good thing, so dietitians agree that capping out at around four of them per day is a decent rule of thumb.

Are clementines supposed to be sour? ›

Clementines are noticeably sweeter than most other varieties of oranges. There's almost no bitterness or sour flavor, which adds to their appeal.

How to tell if cuties are ripe? ›

The skin of ripe citrus fruits should be smooth, with a glossy appearance and no wrinkles. A wrinkled texture often indicates over-ripeness or dehydration. The skin of mandarins is known for being thin and easy to peel when ripe. Tangerines: Look for smooth skin without blemishes.

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