Fruits and vegetables are something we need on daily basis. Storing groceries is the main concern among people since improper storage can lead them to rot or your fruits and veggies would have a shorter life. It is important to store the fruits and vegetables properly in order to keep them fresh for longer. Here is a complete guide for storing the usual fruits we need or use the most:
APPLES
Apples are something we eat on regular basis. They are prone to browning after they are cut and can soften if uncut and left for days. The best place to store them is in the refrigerator shelf. Make sure you don’t wrap them and keep them open to breathe.
Length of storage time: 3 weeks
BANANAS
Bananas are best left on the countertops, unwrapped! If the bananas are green or unripe, they will ripen at room temperature and will last for 3 days once yellow. If you have sliced the bananas, make sure you slice them with the skin if you have to store or they will spoil easily ad turn brown. Keep sliced bananas on the refrigerator shelf for 1-2 days. SURPRISING AND UNIQUE WAYS TO USE BANANA PEEL.
Length of storage time: Whole bananas- 3 days once ripe; Sliced bananas- 1-2 days
Expert tip: Cover the crown of banana in a plastic wrap. This will limit ethylene gas and will keep them your bananas fresh for longer.
ORANGES, LIME, AND GRAPEFRUIT
Citrus fruits like oranges, lime and grapefruit are best stored for 2 weeks on the refrigerator shelf and unwrapped. If you have cut the fruit, toss it in a zip lock bag and they should remain edible for 2-3 days.
Length of storage time: Whole fruit- 2 weeks; Halved fruit- 2-3 days
GRAPES
Grapes are best stored in a perforated storage bag or perforated zip lock bag. They remain crisp and fresh when allowed to breathe. Toss them in the mesh/perforated storage bag and keep it in the refrigerator drawer.
Length of storage time: 1-2 weeks
MELONS
Melons are best stored on the countertops unwrapped and allowed to breathe for long lasting freshness. They remain edible for 5 days after ripe. Once ripen, you can cut it and store it in a plastic zip lock bag in the refrigerator shelf for about 10 days.
Length of storage time: 5 days after ripe, 10 days after halved
AVOCADOS
Leave the avocados on the countertop at room temperature to ripen and once they are ripe, shift them to the refrigerator shelf; consume them within 4 days after ripening. If you have cut avocados, apply some lemon juice on the open flesh and toss it in a plastic zip lock bag. Store it in the refrigerator shelf for a day. HEALTH BENEFITS OF AVOCADO.
Length of storage time: 4 days after ripening; 1 day after halved
APRICOTS
Apricots (ripe) are best stored in the refrigerator shelf in a plastic zip lock bag and they last that way for about 5 days. If the apricots are not ripened, keep them on the countertop wrapped in a paper bag for 2-3 days or until they become soft and fragrant; then you can toss them in the fridge.
Length of storage time: 5 days after ripening
STRAWBERRIES, BLUEBERRIES, RASPBERRIES
Strawberries, blueberries or any kind of berries are best stored in vented containers and uncovered in the refrigerator drawers. This way they should last for 3-4 days.
Length of storage time: 3-4 days
Expert tip: Wash strawberries, blueberries and all other kind of berries in vinegar water to keep them fresh for longer.
PEACH
If your peaches are not ripened fully, store them on the countertops unwrapped until ripened and toss as it is in the refrigerator shelf. They will last for 5 days.
Length of storage time: 5 days once ripe
PEARS
Pears are best stored on the countertops at room temperature and they spoil if you put it in the fridge. Keep them unwrapped on the countertops and they should be edible for 4 days.
Length of storage time: 4 days