Yes, you can freeze mandarin oranges — just don’t freeze them whole. The best way to freeze them is peeled and separated into segments, or juiced and stored in freezer-safe containers. These methods preserve flavor, texture, and nutrition for up to a year.
Whether you’re lucky enough to have a tree in the backyard or caught a sale at the store, freezing is one of the easiest ways to make that bounty last.
🧊 Best Ways to Freeze Mandarin Oranges
I’ve been freezing citrus fruit for over 50 years, and I’ve learned the hard way what works — and what doesn’t. If you’re hoping to preserve that fresh mandarin flavor for smoothies, snacks, or juice, here’s what I recommend:
Method 1: Juice & Freeze
If you mostly use mandarins for juice, this is the most practical way to go.
Steps:
- Wash and dry the fruit.
- Cut in half and juice with any juicer.
- Pour juice into freezer-safe containers, leaving headspace (about ½ inch).
- Label, seal, and freeze.
To thaw: Let it sit in the fridge overnight. It’ll taste just like fresh.
✅ Tip: Freeze in portion sizes you’ll actually use — like half-cup or 1-cup batches.
Method 2: Segment & Freeze
For smoothies, slushies, or adding to salads, freezing the segments is my go-to method.
Steps:
- Zest first! (You can freeze citrus zest to use later in baking or sauces.)
- Peel the mandarins and remove as much white pith as possible.
- Separate into segments.
- Lay on a parchment-lined baking sheet in a single layer.
- Freeze until solid, then transfer to a labeled freezer bag.
This keeps the segments from sticking together and lets you grab just what you need.
🚫 Avoid freezing mandarins whole. They take up too much space and thaw into a mushy mess — not ideal unless you’re just juicing them.
Can You Eat Frozen Mandarin Segments?
Yes! Once thawed in the fridge, mandarin segments taste sweet and soft. They’re great in:
- Fruit salads
- Yogurt bowls
- Smoothies and slushies
Just don’t expect the same crisp bite as fresh. The texture softens a bit, but the flavor holds up wonderfully.
Bonus: Save the Peels and Zest
Don’t toss those peels! If you cook or bake, freezing zest and peel strips is worth the tiny effort.
- How to Freeze Citrus Zest ➤ Tips for freezing in single layers
- Use peels later for candying, tea, or even homemade cleaners
What About Freezing Canned Mandarin Oranges?
Yes, you can freeze leftovers from a can. Just transfer to an airtight container, leaving a little headspace, and freeze. They’ll be soft when thawed, but still good for smoothies and desserts.
How Long Do Frozen Mandarins Last?
According to USDA food safety guidance, frozen citrus will maintain best quality for up to 12 months. After that, they’re still safe to eat, but may begin to lose flavor and texture.
| Storage Method | Shelf Life |
|---|---|
| Fresh (room temp) | 1 week |
| Refrigerated | 3–4 weeks |
| Frozen | Up to 1 year |
| Canned (unopened) | 2–3 years |
| Dried | 2–3 years |
For more freezing tips, see Freezer Strategy | 10 Do’s and Don’ts of Freezing Foods, including what not to freeze (like whole citrus fruits and watery veggies).
More Ways to Preserve Mandarin Oranges
If you’re feeling ambitious (or just love citrus as much as I do), here are two other long-term methods I’ve used over the years:
🍊 Make Marmalade or Jelly
- Great for gifting or enjoying with toast
- My go-to: old-fashioned marmalade with natural pectin
🍊 Dehydrate Orange Slices
- Oven, dehydrator, or air fryer all work
- Great for snacking, trail mixes, or cocktail garnishes
Final Thoughts
Freezing mandarins is easy, flexible, and a great way to avoid waste — especially when you’re up to your elbows in fruit during citrus season. Segment and juice what you can, freeze the zest, and skip freezing whole fruit unless you’re desperate.
You’ll be glad you took the time come January when your fresh supply is long gone.
Thanks for stoppin’ by,
—Jelly Grandma
🔗 Related Freezing Guides:
🔗 For more: Don’t miss my comprehensive article on Freezing Food the Right Way | A Complete Guide to Portioning, Packaging, and Preserving.
Anne James—lovingly known as Jelly Grandma—is a professional canner, seasoned home cook, and lifelong preserver of traditional Southern skills. With over 55 years of hands-on experience in canning, gardening, cooking, and quilting, Anne brings generations of wisdom to every guide she writes.
Featured in both local media and by national brands like Hershey, Anne now shares her knowledge through PreservingSweetness.com and her YouTube channel, helping others rediscover the “old ways” of living well and making things from scratch.