The Ultimate Guide to Storing Pomelos: Enjoy Sweet and Nutritious Pomelos All Year Round

The end of the year is a popular time for pomelo sales. Pomelos are a great digestive aid and are packed with nutrients. They’re also an effective way to combat nausea, and many people enjoy them. If you want to store pomelos for several months, here’s how to do it.

Coating the stem with lime is an effective traditional method.

In the past, people used to coat pomelos with lime to keep them fresh from the start of the season until Tet Holiday. Lime is a good disinfectant and non-toxic. Coating the stem with lime prevents bacterial ingress, as the stem has gaps, and the pomelo’s thick rind means only the stem needs coating. The stem is the “gateway” for bacteria to enter and cause decay, so you only need to focus on applying lime there. Then, cover the stem with paper or cardboard and place the pomelo on top. Alternatively, you can sprinkle lime powder on the pomelo after coating the stem. However, when storing, avoid stacking multiple layers of pomelos. Keep them in a dry, well-ventilated area, ensuring the pomelos’ rinds stay dry.

Burying pomelos in dry sand

Dry, clean sand is another effective way to store pomelos for an extended period. You can bury the pomelos in a pile of dry sand or place them in a dry, clean cardboard box or plastic container and cover them with sand. It’s best to put the larger, heavier pomelos at the bottom and the smaller ones on top. Sand absorbs moisture and preserves the pomelos’ flavor, preventing rot and mold. This method can keep pomelos fresh for several months.

Arrange pomelos on a bamboo or wooden rack for ventilation

Moisture on the rind is the biggest enemy of pomelos, as it leads to rapid decay and mold growth. Placing pomelos on a bamboo or wooden rack helps minimize contact with mold and ensures good ventilation. Push the rack into a cool, dry area, and cover the pomelos with paper or cardboard. This method keeps the pomelos dry and prevents mold growth. You can also combine this with the lime-coating technique, and using newspaper will help keep the pomelos dry and prevent mold more effectively.

Storing pomelos under the bed

In the past, people often rolled pomelos under the bed because the lack of light inhibits bacterial growth. However, ensure the area under the bed is dry and well-ventilated. With this method, regularly check the pomelos and remove any that show signs of decay to prevent the spread to other fruits.

Notes on storing pomelos

Aged pomelos tend to be sweeter and more flavorful than freshly cut ones. Proper storage not only keeps them fresh but also enhances their taste. However, regularly inspect the stored pomelos. Rotten pomelos can quickly spread decay to others, so remove any rotten fruits and wipe away any liquid they may have released.

Avoid moisture contact with the pomelos. Before storing, ensure the pomelos are dry. If they are wet, wipe them with a cloth and let them air dry completely before storing. Do not wash the pomelos before storage, as their rind has a natural protective layer. Washing removes this layer and allows moisture to penetrate the fruit, leading to faster decay.