In my opinion, putting away groceries is NOT a very exciting task. Generally, I aim to do it as quickly as possible! Afterwards, I do feel lucky knowing that we have food to eat for the coming days.
However, I didn’t realize how many items I was storing incorrectly! For instance, who knew that an entire uncut pineapple will keep longer in your fridge if there’s space?! I hate that feeling of cutting into a very ripe pineapple and discovering that it’s rotten inside. So much guilt and money lost! Now I find out, I could have actually kept it in the fridge. Sigh…live and learn.
Because there are SO MANY different types of foods out there, I will write several posts with different categories. Today’s article will focus on how to extend the shelf-life of some common fresh fruits. Essentially, I will share the best ways to keep fresh fruit fresh through research that I did. I hope it will assist you in your food waste reduction journey!
What is ethylene gas and how does it affect fresh fruit?
Ethylene gas acts as a plant hormone that drives the ripening process in fruits and vegetables. All fruits produce ethylene gas, but they release it in different amounts. For example, avocados, apples, grapes, melons, pears, peaches, and nectarines emit higher levels of this gas.
Why does this matter? Fruits that release higher levels of ethylene gas can make other fruits and vegetables ripen and spoil faster when stored together or side by side. For example, store unripe bananas, honeydew melon, kiwi, cantaloupe, and watermelon separately.
Are all fruits sensitive to ethylene gas? No. Some fruits, such as berries, cherries, grapefruit, oranges, and pineapple, tolerate storage near fruits that emit higher levels of gas. Understanding this important plant hormone helps you prolong the shelf life of fresh fruits.
Now that we know this, let’s get unpacking those groceries! Scroll below to see how to store each fruit more effectively.
Best Ways to Keep Fresh Fruit Fresh- List of Common Fruits
Apples – Store apples in the fridge crisper in a sealed container or bag for best results. Place them with non-ethylene-sensitive fruits such as strawberries, raspberries, navel oranges, and blueberries. Contrary to popular belief, storing apples outside the fridge significantly shortens their shelf life.
Apricots – Leave fresh apricots at room temperature until they ripen, keeping them away from excessive sunlight or heat. Once ripe, eat them immediately or store them in the fridge to extend their freshness. Refrigeration can change their texture and taste. Since apricots emit high levels of ethylene, store them with produce that tolerates it.
Avocados – Keep avocados at room temperature until they ripen, avoiding direct sunlight or heat. To speed up ripening, place them in a paper bag. Once ripe, store whole avocados in the fridge to prolong freshness. If you cut an avocado in half, place the other half in an airtight container with the pit still in to slow browning.
Bananas – Store bananas at room temperature, away from direct sunlight or heat. Because they are sensitive to ethylene, keep them separate from high-ethylene-producing fruits and vegetables, such as apples, melons, and potatoes. To speed up ripening, place a bunch of bananas in a paper bag with an apple; the apple’s ethylene will encourage the bananas to ripen faster.
Berries (e.g., strawberries, raspberries, blueberries, blackberries) – Refrigerate berries to prolong their shelf life. Avoid washing them before storing. Place berries in larger, airtight containers in a single layer to prevent them from becoming mushy or moldy. Adding paper towels inside the container—one underneath the berries and one on top—helps absorb excess moisture. When ready to eat, don’t wash them under running water; instead, soak them in a bowl of water, remove gently, and let them dry on a paper towel.
Cherries – Store cherries in a plastic bag or airtight container in the fridge. Allow them to warm up to room temperature before eating for the best taste.
Coconuts – Keep whole or uncracked coconuts on the counter in a cool, dry place, or store them in the fridge if you have space. After cutting, place coconut chunks in an airtight container with some water, and change the water daily to maintain freshness.
Dates – Refrigerate or freeze dates for the best storage. Keep them in their original packaging as long as possible. Once opened, transfer the remaining dates to a tightly sealed container.
Figs – Let hard figs ripen at room temperature, then store them in the fridge to keep them fresh longer.
Grapes- Grapes should be kept in the fridge. Do not wash them beforehand and make sure they are dry. Keep them on the stems to last longer. Bacteria grow on grapes faster when they have been washed. Therefore, only wash when you are ready to consume.
Grapefruit- Store in the fridge to keep fresh longer.
Guava- These fruit taste better when consumed at room temperature. However, you must eat them quickly! If you don’t, store them in the fridge so that they will keep better.
Kiwis- Store kiwis at room temperature until they have ripened. Afterwards, place them in the fridge. Kiwis can be eaten with the skin on or off!
Lemons/ Limes- Store at room temperature away from direct sunlight. You can also keep them in the fridge.
Mango- Mangos last longer when stored in the fridge, but you can allow them to ripen on the countertop. Do not place them next to apples and pears, or else they will spoil faster.
Melons- Stay on your countertop until ripened. Once ripe, place in the fridge to last longer. If the melon has been sliced, cut the rest into pieces and store in an air-tight container. You can either keep the rind on or take it off. Melons produce higher levels of ethylene, so ensure to store with other fruits/veg that are not ethylene sensitive.
Nectarines- This fruit ripens after having been picked. Store on the counter away from heat and too much sunlight. They will ripen faster when placed in a paper bag. Once ripe, place in fridge.
Oranges- Oranges last longer in the fridge. However, some believe they taste better at room temperature. You may want to let them warm up prior to eating.
Passionfruit- Store passionfruit on the counter away from direct sunlight. They are ready to eat once they appear to be wrinkled.
Peaches- This fruit also ripens after having been picked; therefore, store them at room temperature away from sunlight and heat. They will ripen faster in a paper bag. Once ripened, you can place them in the fridge. Be aware that the cold air may change their texture and taste.
Pears- Pears can be kept in a bowl or paper bag on your countertop until they ripen. Later, they can be placed in the fridge. Store pears with fruits/veg that are not sensitive to ethylene.
Pineapple- Whole pineapple can be stored at room temperature (away from sunlight/heat) or in your fridge if there’s room! Once cut, place in an airtight container in the warmest part of your fridge, which is typically closest to the top shelf.
Plums- This fruit ripens after having been picked. Allow them to ripen at room temperature away from too much heat or sunlight. Later, you can store them in your fridge. Keep in mind that they may alter in texture and taste when too cold.
Pomegranate- This fruit can last up to two months when kept in the fridge with the seeds still inside. Without seeds, they can last 5-7 days in the fridge. Frozen pomegranate seeds can be stored for up to one year in your freezer.
Final Thoughts and Tips
I hope you find these storage tips and tricks helpful and that they help you reduce food waste at home! Remember, you can also keep many of these fruits in your freezer for later use.
For example, you can peel bananas, cut them up, and place them in a freezer bag or airtight container for smoothies or baking. To freeze pineapple, remove the outer rind and cut it into smaller pieces. Line a sheet pan with parchment paper and place the pieces in the freezer for two hours. Once frozen, store the pieces in a freezer bag or airtight container. You can use the same method with berries.
Do not skip the step of freezing them on a tray, as it prevents the pieces from freezing together in one big clump! You can store cherries in the freezer by first removing the pits and then placing them in a freezer bag or airtight container. Freezing your fruit gives you a healthy, delicious snack for another day or helps you save fruit you cannot eat immediately.
Next time you put away groceries, try these suggestions. You may notice your food bill shrinking and less fruit going to waste. Good luck!
If you liked this article, please check out my post Reducing Food Waste At Home | The Greener Year
Sources Cited
Khoury-Hanold, Layla. Plantain Vs. Banana: What’s the difference? The Food Network. August 7, 2023, Plantain vs Banana: What’s the Difference? | Food Network
Lui, Novella. The Trick to Keeping Dates Fresh. All Recipes. October 10, 2023, The Trick to Keeping Dates Fresh
Master Class. How to Store Pineapple: 4 Easy Storage Methods. Master Class. December 15, 2021, How to Store Pineapple: 4 Easy Storage Methods – 2025 – MasterClass
Master Class. How to Store Pomegranates: Pomegranate Storage Guide. Master Class. December 20, 2021, How to Store Pomegranates: Pomegranate Storage Guide – 2025 – MasterClass
Picincu, Andra. What Fruits Shouldn’t Be Stored Next to Each Other?. Living Strong. What Fruits Shouldn’t Be Stored Next to Each Other? | livestrong
Spencer, Victoria. How to Wash and Store Berries So They Stay Fresh Longer. Martha Stewart. March 18, 2025, How to Wash and Store Berries So They Stay Fresh Longer
The Fruit Guys. Fresh Fruit Storage and Ripening Tips. The Fruit Guys. July 2, 2012, Fresh Fruit Storage and Ripening Tips | The FruitGuys
