Tips

How Long Can You Keep Mangosteen in the Fridge?

The mangosteen is a delicate fruit that requires careful handling to maintain its freshness. Its perishability poses a challenge to those seeking to prolong its lifespan. So, the question arises: How can we effectively extend the shelf life of mangosteens, and what is the optimal duration for storing them in the refrigerator?

Administrator

2 October, 2024

Mangosteen is a delicious and nutritious fruit, packed with vitamin C, fiber, and antioxidants. However, its perishability poses a challenge, especially in hot and humid tropical environments.

**How Long Can Mangosteen Be Stored in the Fridge?**

*How long can mangosteen be stored in the fridge? (Source: Sohu)*

Typically, mangosteen can be refrigerated for 5 to 7 days. To achieve optimal storage, maintain a fridge temperature of 4-5°C, and ensure the fruit is placed in a sealed plastic bag or container. This helps prevent dehydration and inhibits bacterial and mold growth.

However, if the mangosteen is overripe, its shelf life decreases to 2 to 3 days. Therefore, regular checks are necessary to ensure the fruit doesn’t spoil during storage.

**Why Is Mangosteen Prone to Spoilage?**

Mangosteen is a water-rich and sugary fruit, making it susceptible to bacterial and mold growth if not stored properly. While its outer rind is thick, it’s not enough to completely prevent moisture loss and microbial invasion. When exposed to air or high temperatures, the fruit quickly loses moisture, leading to withering or spoilage.

Additionally, if the mangosteen is bruised or cut, bacteria can easily enter and cause rapid deterioration.

**Effective Cold Storage Methods for Mangosteen**

To prolong the life of mangosteen in the fridge, consider the following:

**Choose Fresh Mangosteen**

Selecting fresh mangosteen right from the start is crucial for long-term storage. Opt for fruits with intact rinds, bright colors, and no cracks or bruises. A firm, green stem is a sign of freshness. When gently pressed, the rind should be supple, not hard, indicating a juicy and ripe fruit.

*Choose fresh mangosteen for longer storage (Source: Shutterstock)*

**Don’t Wash Before Storing**

Avoid washing the fruit before storage. Simply wipe it with a dry cloth if necessary. Washing increases moisture, accelerating spoilage. Only wash the fruit just before consumption.

**Seal in a Bag or Container**

Place the fruit in a sealed plastic bag or container to minimize air exposure, prevent moisture loss, and maintain freshness.

**Store at the Right Temperature**

The ideal storage temperature for mangosteen is 4-5°C. At this temperature, enzyme activity is suppressed, slowing down nutrient breakdown and preserving freshness. However, avoid extremely low temperatures as they can make the rind tough and affect the flavor.

**Regularly Check and Rotate**

Periodically inspect the fruit during storage and remove any that show signs of spoilage to prevent it from affecting the rest.

**Alternative Storage Methods**

In addition to refrigerator storage, there are other methods to prolong the life of mangosteen:

*Explore alternative storage methods for mangosteen (Source: Sohu)*

**Freezing**

For long-term storage, consider freezing. Peel and deseed the mangosteen, then place the arils in a sealed bag or container before freezing. This method can extend the shelf life up to 2-3 months.

Freezing may alter the texture, making the arils chewier. Nonetheless, frozen mangosteen is perfect for desserts or making ice cream.

**Vacuum Sealing**

Vacuum sealing is effective for short-term storage. After peeling and segmenting the fruit, place the pieces in a vacuum bag, remove the air, and seal. This method inhibits oxidation and maintains freshness for 1-2 days without significantly altering the texture and flavor.

*Source: VTC news*