Tips

Dos and Don’ts of Storing Fruits and Vegetables

"Many of us tend to stash away unused vegetables and fruits in the fridge, believing it to be the best way to prolong their freshness. However, it's important to note that not all produce fares well in the cold. Certain fruits and vegetables are actually best kept at room temperature, retaining their nutritional value and taste without the need for refrigeration."

Administrator

28 July, 2024

Cucumbers

It’s common to wash cucumbers and store them in the refrigerator after purchasing them. However, according to research conducted by the University of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences in California, cucumbers are sensitive to low temperatures and prone to rotting.

Therefore, it’s best not to wash cucumbers before storage. Keep them unwashed, with their skins intact, and store them at room temperature, separate from other vegetables.

Herbs

Instead of discarding leftover herbs after a meal, you can chop them finely, place them in an ice cube tray, add a little water, and freeze them. The next time you cook, simply pop out a few herb cubes and add them directly to your dish.

Unripe Fruit

When you buy unripe fruit, it’s best to keep it at room temperature until it ripens. If you place it in the cold temperature of the refrigerator, it won’t ripen properly. This is especially true for bananas, which tend to turn black and unappetizing when refrigerated. The best way to store bananas is to hang them in a cool, dry place, away from direct sunlight.

Vegetables and Fruits

While your refrigerator’s crisper drawer may have multiple compartments, it’s important to pay attention to where you place your produce. Some fruits produce ethylene gas, which can cause your vegetables to spoil quickly. Keep your fruits and vegetables separate to prolong their freshness.

Lemons

Storing lemons directly in the refrigerator can lead to them drying out, wilting, or rotting over time. To keep lemons fresh for longer, place them in a sealed bag before putting them in the refrigerator. Alternatively, you can bury them in sand and store them at room temperature.

Potatoes, Onions, Tomatoes, and Apples

Storing potatoes, onions, and tomatoes together can cause them to spoil more quickly, regardless of where you keep them. It’s best to store them separately in a cool, dry, and dark place, away from direct sunlight and the refrigerator.

Interestingly, apples help prevent potatoes from sprouting. Storing apples and potatoes together can keep both fresh for longer.

Hard Vegetables

For hard vegetables like carrots, beets, turnips, and kohlrabi, it’s important to remove the greens and keep them away from water before using and storing them in the refrigerator. This will help maintain their sweetness and crispness for longer.

Asparagus

Like flowers, asparagus will quickly lose moisture and wilt if stored in the refrigerator. Instead, place the asparagus stems in a jar of water to keep them fresh and crisp for longer.

Sweet Potatoes

Unlike other root vegetables, sweet potatoes tend to dry out and become fibrous when stored in the refrigerator. For best results, place them in a bowl lined with a damp paper towel and keep them in a cool, well-ventilated area. They will remain crisp and delicious, even if their skin darkens.

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Fruits and vegetables will spoil quickly if not stored properly in the refrigerator. Pay attention to the placement and storage methods to keep your produce fresh for longer.

Frequently asked questions

Do keep your fruits and vegetables separate, as fruits produce ethylene gas which can cause vegetables to spoil faster. Store fruits and vegetables in different drawers or compartments. Also, do keep them dry and well-ventilated. Don’t wash them before storing, as moisture can accelerate spoilage. Keep them in their original packaging or use perforated plastic bags to maintain humidity and allow air circulation.

Most fruits and vegetables should be stored in the crisper drawers of your refrigerator, which are designed to maintain humidity and keep produce fresh longer. Use the high-humidity drawer for items like berries, leafy greens, and herbs, and the low-humidity drawer for items like apples, oranges, and root vegetables. Keep delicate produce like tomatoes, avocados, and peppers out of the crisper and store them in the main body of the fridge instead.

Yes, freezing is a great way to prolong the life of your produce. Blanch or steam vegetables before freezing to preserve their texture and nutrients. For fruits, you can freeze them whole, sliced, or puréed. Spread them on a baking sheet in a single layer and freeze until solid, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag or container. This will prevent them from sticking together and make it easier to grab the desired portion.

Some fruits and vegetables are best stored at room temperature, including tomatoes, avocados, onions, garlic, winter squash, and melons. These items can lose flavor or texture when stored in the fridge. However, once cut or sliced, they should be refrigerated to prevent spoilage.

Check for any signs of spoilage like mold, soft spots, or discoloration. Also, trust your senses – if it smells off or tastes bitter, it’s probably past its prime. For fruits, give them a gentle squeeze; they should be slightly soft but not mushy. For vegetables, look for crispness and bright colors.