Fruits can be kept at room temperature until they ripen. Once fruits ripen, keep them in the refrigerator or freezer. Sort your fruit before storing it because if you have any fruit that is decaying or bruised, it will contaminate other fruits and hasten their decay. When refrigerating fruits, it is best to remove them from plastic, grocery bags to reduce moisture. Wait and wash fruit when you are ready the fruit, because moisture invites mold. Always be sure to thoroughly wash fruit before eating or serving it. Many fruits have a wax coating, used for appearance and mold resistance, which rinses off when washed.
To store frozen fruits, they will keep their flavor for 8-12 months. After this length of time, they may not taste the same. Here is a quick guide to learn how to lengthen fruit life and keep them tasting delicious for as long as possible.
Apples – Store them unrefrigerated for seven days, and away from other fruits and veggies which may have gases that will cause decay.
Bananas – Store these unrefrigerated until they ripen. Once ripe, bananas may be refrigerated for 4-7 days and still taste the same. After refrigeration, the skin will blacken, but the bananas will taste the same, especially if allowed to return to room temperature before eating.
Berries – Refrigerate berries, unwashed and in their original container.
Melons – Leave melons unrefrigerated to ripen. Once ripe, melons should be placed in the refrigerator to extend their shelf life. Once cut open though, be sure to store melons in air-tight containers to avoid quick decay.
Peaches – Leave unrefrigerated to ripen; in a paper bag with holes in it for air to circulate. These should not be kept in direct sunlight.
