There are many different types of oranges, but I have to say Sumo is my favorite. My first sumo citrus was a heavenly experience. These oranges have the perfect taste mix of the sweetest mandarin, blood oranges, and navel oranges. If you haven’t tried one yet, pick up a bag next time you’re at the grocery store. They are quite the step up from your average orange and are the best citrus fruit I’ve tried. Even my son, a very picker eater, happily snacks on these oranges. They have loose skin, making them easy to peel, and are seedless. As with most citrus, they are high in vitamin C and vitamin A. If you’re looking for a fresh fast snack to throw in your bag, grab a Sumo!
If you use any of the links in this post, thank you! I will receive a small commission that will help keep this blog going and allow me to continue to share recipes for optimal health.
Want more info on how to go plant-based? Check out this page for all the details!
![](https://i0.wp.com/plantbasednarrative.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/3.png?resize=600%2C900&ssl=1)
Signs of Spoilage:
The normal shelf life of oranges is 1-2 weeks depending on how they are stored. The best way to store your Sumo Citrus Fruit is in a cool dry place with of plenty of air circulation. Some great options are fruit bowls, colanders, or baskets on your kitchen counter.
Dry and wrinkled: If your sumo oranges are dry, wrinkled, and a little hard, they’ve passed their peak in freshness. They become dry when they are exposed to air for too long and are stored in a dry environment. Sometimes you may notice the orange pieces are on the dry side and taste flat. This is also an indication that your sweet oranges are starting to go bad.
Brown spots or black spots: When you see brown or black dark spots instead of bright orange skin, your Sumo oranges have gone bad. This is a sign of dehydration and over-ripeness. As you can see in the photos, I opened a Sumo that had a black spot growing on the inside of the orange. If you see this, discard it immediately. This is a sign of mold growth.
Soft spots and mushy: Opposite to dryness, they can become mushy. Give the fruit a gentle squeeze and if they are too mushy 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. Always check for mushy spots before buying your citrus.
Weird smell: Get a good whiff of your fruit before peeling it. If your citrus fruits have an unpleasant smell, they have gone bad. This means they have started to grow bacteria that will result in mold.
Mold: Mold growth is the most obvious indication that Sumo Citrus oranges are bad. Bad oranges can develop mold when exposed to added moisture from humidity and other fruits. The mold typically starts on the orange peel or top knot as white spots and can progress to a green color. It is a good idea to discard whole oranges and oranges that are touching moldy ones to prevent the mold from spreading.
When possible, compost bad sumo oranges and peels.
When looking for the best sumo orange, look for skin with a vibrant orange color and firm peel. Make sure when buying a bag to check them before getting home.
Dont miss a beet
How to Store Sumo Oranges:
To prevent your Sumo Citrus from becoming rotten oranges, keep them at room temperature in a dry place away from direct sunlight and other fruits. They can be stored in a container or fruit bowl with plenty of air circulation on the countertop for one to two weeks. A basket or colander would also work well. If you’d like this fresh fruit to last longer, store it 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 Sumo Citrus and separate the pieces. Then store them in a glass airtight container or silicon bag in the refrigerator. I love storing them in Silicon bags and can easily grab a bag on the way out of the house. Storing Sumo Citrus in glass keeps them fresh longer, but you can store them in a plastic-sealed container as well.
What are Sumo Oranges?
A Sumo orange, also known as Sumo Citrus, is a type of mandarin orange known for its large size, bumpy skin, top knot, and sweet flavor. It is a hybrid between the Florida navel and Mandarin. They have thick loose bumpy skin, making them easy to peel, and are seedless. Sumo oranges were bred in Japan, but are now grown in California and some parts of Australia. You can find them at your local grocery store from January – April.
![](https://i0.wp.com/plantbasednarrative.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/2-1.png?resize=600%2C900&ssl=1)
How can you tell if a Sumo Orange is good?
When looking for the best sumo orange, look for skin with a vibrant orange color and firm peel. Make sure when buying a bag to check them before getting home.
How long do Sumo Oranges last?
Sumo citrus typically has a shelf life of about 1-2 weeks when stored at room temperature on the countertop. However, if you refrigerate them, they can last for up to three to four weeks. Refrigeration slows down the ripening process and helps to extend their freshness for a long shelf life. You can store them as a whole fruit in the crisper drawer or peel them and store them in an airtight glass container.
Should Sumo Oranges be refrigerated?
Not necessarily. If you live in a dry climate that causes the fruit to dry out, store them in the refrigerator not a longer shelf life. However, keeping them on the countertop in a bowl or basket with air circulation is perfectly fine.
Should Sumo Oranges be squishy?
Sumo oranges can have a little give to their bumpy skin. However, if they’re too squishy they may be starting to go bad.
![](https://i0.wp.com/plantbasednarrative.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/4.png?resize=600%2C900&ssl=1)
When is Sumo Citrus in season?
Sumo Citrus season is in the early spring-winter months. Their peak season is January – April. You can find them with the citrus fruits in the produce aisle at your local grocery stores such as; Whole Foods, Trader Joe’s, Kroger stores, and more.
Where is Sumo Citrus grown?
Sunny California in the United States! Sumo citrus is grown in California’s San Joaquin Valley and has partner growers in parts of Australia. These regions have ideal climates and soil for these citrus varieties.
Leave a Reply