Storing fruit is often incredibly worrying, with a lot of misinformation on the internet and in magazines telling you the best way to store different types of fresh fruit. This article breaks down the old lady’s stories and misinformation, giving you simple, helpful and easy-to-understand tips on how best to store fruit and why she should never treat it the same way. These handy tips will keep fruit fresh from her longer and save you from wasting so much produce, thus lowering your grocery bills.
apples
Apples continue to ripen after they have been picked. If they are to be stored for any length of time, store them in a cool, dry, dark place and make sure they are spread out so they do not touch each other.
apricots
Ripe apricots will keep in the fridge for a few days; if they are not ripe, they will keep longer.
bananas
Keep the bananas in a bowl at room temperature without any other fresh fruit (they will cause the other fruit to ripen too quickly). Do not refrigerate, or the bananas will turn black.
cherries
Ripe cherries will keep for a few days in the fridge; wash them just before they are to be consumed.
figs
Figs can be stored at room temperature until ripe and then kept in the refrigerator for up to three days. However, it is necessary to allow them to return to room temperature before serving, as the cold will reduce their delicate flavor.
Pink grapefruit
Keep up to 2 weeks wrapped inside a plastic bag while in the crisper drawer of the fridge. Do not store much longer than 1-2 days at room temperature.
grapes
The grapes will keep in good condition for 2 weeks in a cold pantry covered with perforated cling film or for about 3 weeks in the refrigerator.
melons
Melons should be stored in a cool, airy place, warmer if the melon is not fully ripe.
oranges
It can be stored at room temperature for 2 weeks. For longer periods, refrigerate in perforated plastic bags.
Peaches and Nectarines
Keep nectarines and ripe peaches in the refrigerator; those that are still too firm are best kept at room temperature.
pears
Pears are at their best for a very short time, and although they can be left to ripen for a while, they should be checked often.
Feathers
Green plums are usually kept in a warm room for a day or so to ripen. Ripe fruit should be stored in a cool place, although it cannot be kept much longer than 2-3 days.
soft berries
Raspberries, strawberries, blackberries, and some other soft berries are very fragile and perishable, so they should be eaten as soon as possible after picking or buying. In case they need to be stored, store them in a dark, airy place like a cool pantry. While keeping them in the fridge is fine for short periods of time, there’s usually too much humidity, and highly scented berries like strawberries tend to permeate other foods, especially butter, with their scent.
