Storing Citrus Fruits for a Longer Cruise

by Nancy Knudsen on 25 Feb 2007 Citrus fruits are very suitable for the longer cruise. They are refreshing, nutritious, last well and do not need refrigeration. A little extra care before you depart will ensure you have a good supply of oranges for the longest sail.

First, douse them in a mild solution of chlorine bleach, leaving them there for about half an hour. Then, importantly, allow them to dry thoroughly in the sun, turning them periodically. The reason for this process is that the bleach kills the bacteria on the skin of the citrus fruits, preventing mould from forming. (this is also recommended for other vegetables which are to be stored other than in a refridgerator, except potatoes.)

Next, wrap each one individually in alfoil. I have no idea why this works, but it was first advised to me by a long-term cruiser, and we have had lemons, unrefrigerated, last six months using this method. The alfoil serves an additional use: If the bleaching has not been thorough enough to remove all the bacteria and mould does form on one piece of fruit, it does not spread to the others.

After these two processes, store them anywhere that is convenient.