Tips

The Ultimate Guide to Fruit and Veggie Storage: What Not to Keep Together

Preserving the freshness of produce is a challenge for many families who stock up on fruits and vegetables, only to find them wilting within days. The secret to prolonging their lifespan lies in proper storage practices. For instance, apples and watermelons should never be stored together, bananas and cucumbers require separate care, and oranges should not share space with apples. These are just a few tricks to keep your fruits and veggies vibrant and delicious.

Administrator

17 July, 2024

Keep Apples Away from Watermelons

Apples and watermelons are not a good mix. While they both prefer a cool environment in the fridge, the ethylene gas emitted by apples can cause the watermelon to spoil faster and become mushy.

To keep your fruits fresh for longer, wrap them separately in plastic wrap and store them in the crisper drawer of your refrigerator. This will help maintain their texture and flavor.

Don’t Store Pumpkins with Apples and Pears

Pumpkins have a long shelf life but should be kept away from apples and pears. These fruits produce high levels of ethylene gas, which can cause pumpkins to turn yellow and spoil faster.

The ideal storage temperature for pumpkins is between 10 and 13 degrees Celsius. They can also be stored outdoors. Larger pumpkins can last up to six months, while smaller ones typically last around three months.

Separate Cucumbers for Storage

Fruits like bananas, tomatoes, and eggplants produce ethylene gas, which can cause other produce to spoil faster. Cucumbers are particularly sensitive to ethylene, so they should be stored separately.

Use plastic wrap, storage containers, or designated compartments in your refrigerator’s crisper drawer to keep cucumbers fresh and crisp.

Keep Apples and Oranges Apart

Despite their similarities, apples and oranges should not be stored together in the fridge. The ethylene gas emitted by apples can cause oranges to ripen and spoil faster.

Store apples and oranges in separate crisper drawers or compartments in your fridge. Alternatively, you can place oranges in a mesh bag to keep them separate and fresh.

Onions, Potatoes, and Squash: A Trio to Keep Apart

Onions, like bananas and apples, produce ethylene gas. When stored with potatoes, this gas can cause the potatoes to sprout and the squash to spoil faster.

It’s best to store potatoes and squash in well-ventilated containers or baskets in a cool, dark place. For onions, store them with garlic in a breathable container, and try to keep the garlic bulbs intact until use.

Bananas: The Lone Fruit

Bananas, like cucumbers, should be stored separately from other fruits and vegetables. They produce a significant amount of ethylene gas, which can cause rapid spoilage in nearby produce.

Tomatoes and Onions: Avoid the Fridge

Tomatoes are sensitive to cold temperatures and thrive in warmer environments. On the other hand, onions prefer a dry and well-ventilated space with low humidity.

Storing tomatoes and onions in the fridge can lead to softening and moisture buildup. Additionally, ethylene-producing fruits like apples and pears can accelerate the spoilage of tomatoes and onions when stored together in the fridge.

It’s best to keep them at room temperature to prolong their freshness.