Freezing Techniques for Blood Oranges

[jessicahowles]

Hi guys, my local store just started selling some imported blood oranges. Since those fruits don't come around very often (once in a blue moon), I am interested in buying a whole bunch and storing them in the freezer. I am kinda new to this and from what I read online, I have to peel the off the skins, membranes and remove the seeds. Then I am suppose to pack them in 40 percent syrup / fruit juice. I was just wondering whether it is possible to just freeze the fruit entirely without using any syrup. Would I need any extra equipments such as a freeze drying machine or a vacuum sealer. Will a Ziploc freezer bag do instead?

[J.Stevens]

you can freeze them whole in zip lock bags if you want ... they will keep for about 6 months

[Darienne]

I simply peel them, cut & break them into quarters, and freeze them in Ziplocks that way.

Love blood oranges. They make such pretty orange juleps.

[jessicahowles]

I love them too. But really difficult to get around here. That is why I try to buy a couple and store them for future use. What about thawing them. Just take them out and thaw them in the fridge overnight?

[OliverB]

Unless you need the fruit flesh, why not juice them and freeze the juice? Maybe even as ice cubes if you want it for drinks?

[ChickenStu]

Do the segments hold their integrity when thawed? I would think the crystals formed during freezing would break the individual sacs, no?

[Darienne]

You know I have never thawed them. I just toss them into the blender as part of the orange julep.