Undoubtedly, you have to incorporate the right storage techniques that prolong the shelf life of your fruits. I mean, you don’t want to waste all your grocery money. Fruits are perishable, and most of them cannot last past a week.
Even so, food experts recommend several methods to incorporate when storing your fruit. Storing your fruit wrongly can lead to contamination which in turn poses a danger to your health.
Let’s take a look at some of the ways you can store your fruits in the kitchen.
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Store your fruits in a cool, dry area
Although fruits are perishable, they do not necessarily require refrigeration. Fruits like bananas will survive well in a cool, dry area. So, consider placing bananas in your fruit rack on the kitchen counter.
However, ensure the area you store your fruit is well ventilated and free from moisture. Storing fruits in damp areas shorten the lifespan of the fruit. Bacteria love to grow around moist places.
Thus, you increase the risk of contamination when you store your fruits in moist areas. Place fruit and vegetable racks away from the sink area.
Storing your fruits in the refrigerator
Some fruits cannot survive without refrigeration. For example, apples do not thrive well in high temperatures. They tend to get softer. So, it is always best to store apples in your refrigerator.
Almost all fruits can get stored in the fridge. All you have to do is create a section for your fruits in the fridge. You can purchase a crisper and place it in the lower part of the fridge.
Avoid mixing your fruits with other foodstuffs. Doing this interferes with the flavor of other foods. Depending on the type of fruit, they can last for more than seven days in the refrigerator.
Additionally, when you store fruits in the refrigerator, wrap them in plastic bags. Plastic bags take in moisture, thus keep the fruits free from bacteria. Other fruits that you can store in your fridge include grapes, strawberries and blueberries.
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Storing fruits in the freezer
One way you can significantly prolong the lifespan of your fruits is by storing them in the freezer. Some freezers can enable your fruits last for months. Even so, not all fruits can get stored in the freezer.
So, consult your supplier before storing fruits in the freezer. Alternatively, you can look for information on the internet.
Storing fruits at room temperature
Suppose you bought unripe fruits, store them at room temperature. For example, if you have unripe avocados, they will ripen under room temperature.
All you have to do is place them in your fruit rack wrapped in a brown paper bag. Once they are ripe, you can consume or store them.
The same goes for peaches, plums and mangoes. So, you need not worry about buying unripe fruits. It’s not a bad idea if you don’t plan on consuming them immediately.
Moreover, if you want to increase the sweetness of your pineapple, store it under room temperature in an upside-down position. Doing this enables the sweetness of the pineapple to extend across the whole fruit.
Melons should also get stored at room temperature.
Storing fruits in a fruit basket
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Another place you can store your fruits is a fruit basket. The advantage of keeping your fruits in a fruit basket is that they receive proper aeration. Here, they are free from moisture and are less likely to get rotten.
Fortunately, there is a wide array of fruit basket designs that complement your kitchen’s aesthetics.
Fruit baskets also enable you to access your fruits easily. I mean, your fruits are on display. Thus, you get to see them clearly and reach them more easily.
You can place a fruit basket on the kitchen counter or on top of the kitchen shelf. Purchase a suitable one that does not take up too much space in your kitchen. Since it also adds to the aesthetics of the area, go for a visually appealing fruit basket that complements your décor.
Kitchen fruit cabinet
If you don’t want to buy a fruit basket, you can seclude sections in your kitchen counter to store your fruits. Storing your fruits in kitchen cabinets enables you to reach your fruits more easily.
Even so, organize them strategically. Do not let the fruits rub or press against each other. If you do so, you might damage the fruits.
Additionally, if you’re using your kitchen cabinet to store your fruits, ensure that you regularly clean and disinfect the area. Moreover, ensure that the area is dry and free from moisture.
Aside from using your kitchen cabinet, you can also use your kitchen island to store fruits. Most kitchen Islands contain open shelves and drawers on the side. Consider making fair use of this space to store your fruits.
Storing canned fruits
It is much easier to store canned fruits since they are not perishable. Canned fruits contain preservatives that prolong their shelf life to approximately two years. But always check the expiry date of your canned fruits before consumption.
Homeowners can store canned fruits in kitchen cabinets, shelves or drawers. Storing canned fruit in the refrigerator is not necessary. You’d instead save space for other foodstuffs.
Only store canned fruit in the refrigerator once you open the can. Once open, try to consume all the canned fruit at one go or if any is left over, ensure it is refrigerated and consumed within the shortest time possible.
Even so, canned foods are not as nutritious as fresh fruits. But it all depends on your preference. If you prefer canned fruits to fresh fruits, that’s fine.
Remember to do the following when storing your fruits in the refrigerator
If you are planning to make a particular recipe or smoothie, freeze your bananas. But first, peel the bananas, wrap them in a plastic bag and place them in the freezer. Then, when it’s time to prepare your smoothie, use them. You will thank us later!
Fruits like mangoes and papayas are best served when chilled. So, freeze them in and grab yourself a tasty snack from the freezer during day time.
Concluding tips on fruit storage
Today, there is a wide range of methods you can use to store your fruits. Fruits are delicate. Thus, you need to incorporate the best practices when it comes to storing them. Storing your fruits the wrong way shortens their lifespan.
Even so, note that different fruits require different storage techniques. It is always good to consult your supplier on the best storage techniques you can use to store your fruits.
Furthermore, you can conduct thorough research on the internet on the best ways to store fruits.