How Long to Keep Fruits and Vegetables in the Refrigerator?
Summary
– Fruit preservation
– Vegetable conservation in the refrigerator
To get the most out of the nutritional and taste qualities of fruit, it is ideal for eating them as soon as possible after harvesting.
However, while waiting to eat them raw or to cook them, it is imperative to keep some of them in the refrigerator… But not all of them, and not necessarily right away.
So, how can you make the most of the benefits of fruits and vegetables?
Fruit preservation
Fruits that do not keep well
Some fruits should be eaten the day they are harvested or bought:
– If you want to eat them later, you should put them in the refrigerator’s crisper without delay because they do not keep well at room temperature.
– Moreover, even in the refrigerator, they will not keep for long.
Here is an update on the main fragile fruits:
– Raspberries will keep for 1 to 2 days in the refrigerator.
– Strawberries and blackberries can be stored for 2 to 3 days.
– Cherries, grapes and rhubarb can be stored in the refrigerator for 3 to 5 days.
Fruits that are not to be placed in the refrigerator immediately
The following table lists fruits that should be left at room temperature until they are ripe. However, once ripe, you can put them in the refrigerator to delay their aging.
|
Maximum shelf life in the refrigerator after ripening at room temperature |
Fruit |
|---|---|
|
1 to 2 days |
Banana |
|
2 to 3 days |
Avocado |
|
3 to 5 days |
Melon, Mirabelle, Nectarine, Peach, Pear, Plum |
|
7 days old |
Apricot, Papaya, Tomato |
|
7 to 20 days |
Citrus, Apple |
|
7 to 14 days |
Kiwi, Mango, |
Storing vegetables in the refrigerator
Vegetables that are to be stored at room temperature
Generally speaking, room temperature storage is not recommended for most vegetables, except for:
– Rutabaga:
◦ They should be placed at room temperature for up to 7 days.
◦ After that, they can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 21 days.
– Garlic and squash:
◦ They are to be stored at room temperature for up to 20 days.
◦ Keeping them in the refrigerator is not recommended, as it could alter their taste and the nutrients they contain.
◦ Note that garlic should be stored away from light and moisture.
– Potatoes can be stored at room temperature for 7 to 14 days:
◦ However, it should always be kept away from light.
◦ Beyond that, keeping it for 2 to 6 months in cold storage or a refrigerator crisper is ideal.
◦ Beware regardless of how the potato is stored, it should not be eaten if it turns green.
Vegetables and refrigerator: indicative table
The following table shows the ideal storage time in the refrigerator for vegetables that cannot be stored at room temperature.
|
Maximum shelf life in the refrigerator |
Maximum shelf life in the refrigerator |
|---|---|
|
2 days |
Asparagus, Corn on the cob, Snow peas |
|
3 to 4 days |
Broccoli, Mushroom, Endive, Spinach, Bean |
|
4 to 6 days |
Green bean, Pea, Green salad |
|
7 to 8 days |
Artichoke, Eggplant, Brussels sprouts, Cucumber, Zucchini, Pepper, Radish |
|
Up to 2 weeks |
Celery, Leek |
|
2 to 3 weeks |
Beet, Cabbage, Onion, Parsnip, Rutabaga |
|
2 to 3 months |
Carrot |
Good to know: as far as herbs are concerned, once picked, they should not be left at room temperature. They can be stored in the refrigerator for 2 to 5 days.
These few tips will help you keep fruits and vegetables in your refrigerator. Remember to leave a few words in the comments below.