Refrigerator? Counter top? Where does fresh fruit go? (2024)

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Apricots, bananas, cantaloupe, kiwi, nectarines, peaches, pears, plantains, plums and tomatoes continue to ripen after being picked. Ripen fruit at room temperature. Once they are ripe, refrigerate.

Apples, cherries, grapefruit, grapes, oranges, pineapples, strawberries, tangerines and watermelon are received ripe and should be refrigerated.

How to ripen fresh fruit

Ripen at room temperature Refrigerate upon receiving
Apricots Applies
Bananas Cherries
Cantaloupe Grapefruit
Kiwi Grapes
Nectarines Oranges
Peaches Pineapple
Pears Strawberries
Plums Tangerines
Tomatoes Watermelon

Suzanne Driessen, Extension food safety educator

Reviewed in 2021

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Refrigerator? Counter top? Where does fresh fruit go? (2024)

FAQs

Refrigerator? Counter top? Where does fresh fruit go? ›

Once fruits are cut, they must be stored in the refrigerator immediately for food safety reasons. This includes fruits bought at the store that are pre-cut or peeled. Once cut or peeled, they should be refrigerated within 2 hours.

Which part of the fridge should you store fruit? ›

Most fresh fruit, including apples, berries and grapes, will last longer if kept in their original packaging and stored in the crisper of your fridge. Berries can last in the fridge for about a week. It's a good idea to eat as soon as possible so they don't spoil.

How do you store fruit on a counter top? ›

When storing fruits and vegetables on the counter, the storage area should be away from direct sunlight to prevent produce from becoming too warm. To help prevent moisture loss in the produce place the product in a vented plastic bowl or a perforated plastic bag.

Where should fresh fruit be stored? ›

Fresh Fruit & Vegetables

Store perishable fruits and vegetables (like berries, lettuce, and mushrooms) in a clean refrigerator at a temperature between 34-40°F. For produce best stored at room temperature, store between 50-70°F. Use within a few days after the fruit or vegetable is ripe.

What is the best way to store fruits and vegetables in the refrigerator? ›

1. Place fruits and vegetables in separate, perforated plastic bags. 2. Use within 1-3 days for maximum flavor and freshness.

Should tomatoes be refrigerated? ›

Yes, but only as a last resort. The reason why refrigeration should only be used for tomatoes reaching their shelf life is because it change the flavor and texture. A chilled tomato should always be given the chance to come back to room temperature, which is where its natural flavor and texture shines.

What shelf does fruit go on? ›

The salad drawer, or bottom shelf of your fridge, should be used to store fruit, vegetables and salad vegetables that have been washed prior to storage. Make sure that your fruit, vegetables and salad are wrapped in something, like paper or plastic with air holes, to keep them protected from any contamination.

How do you keep fruit fresh in the kitchen? ›

A combination of moisture and air is ideal for keeping produce fresh over time. Leave a bowl of water on the windowsill and hang fruits and vegetables in naturally ventilated baskets and nets above it.

Should apples be refrigerated? ›

Apples are safe at room temperature, but their higher ethylene content contributes to faster ripening. Apples stored in the refrigerator can last for several weeks. Cut produce is more susceptible to pathogens, so storing in the refrigerator can limit pathogen growth.

Where to put a fruit bowl in the kitchen? ›

Add the fruit bowl to the center of your table or your open shelving to add interest and function overhead.

Can I put apples and oranges in the same fruit bowl? ›

05/6​Apples and oranges

That is because fruits release ethylene gas, which spoils things faster. It is best to store your apples in the fridge and oranges should be stored away from apples. Also, it is best to put oranges in a mesh bag to allow the air to circulate around them.

How do you keep fruit fresh out of the fridge? ›

Most fruit needs space and airflow to stay fresh for longer. Apples, oranges and blueberries already come in the proper containers for breathability. Other fruits like bananas and grapes should be stored in a single layer in a breathable container.

Do grapes need to be refrigerated? ›

The Best Way To Store Grapes

A bowl of countertop grapes may look pretty and inviting, but, in fact, leaving grapes out on the counter is not a good way to keep the fruit fresh. For crisp and tasty grapes (read: not mushy), you'll want to store them in a container in your fridge's crisper drawer.

Should strawberries be refrigerated? ›

Where is the best place to store strawberries? Unless you plan to use the strawberries right away, it's best to store them in your refrigerator to preserve freshness. Unrefrigerated, berries will last only a few days; stored in the fridge, they could last up to a week.

How do you store grapes in the fridge? ›

Instead, whole grapes should be washed, patted dry, and then stored in a well-ventilated container in the crisper drawer of your refrigerator. This will allow them to last for up to three weeks. You'll want to avoid putting them into an airtight container or plastic bag, since that prevents air circulation.

What fruit should not be refrigerated in the fridge? ›

Fruits that should not be refrigerated include bananas, apples, melons, and berries. Keep in mind that many fruits will ripen more quickly when left at room temperature but will stay fresh longer if refrigerated once ripe.

How do you store fruit in a refrigerator drawer? ›

As a general rule of thumb, use the low-humidity setting for anything that rots easily. That means apples, pears, avocados, melons or stone fruits. The high-humidity drawer is great for anything that wilts—think thin-skinned vegetables like asparagus or leafy vegetables like greens.

Should fruit be covered in the fridge? ›

Berries – Blueberries, blackberries, strawberries and raspberries are delicate and should not be washed until ready to eat. Keep in refrigerator in dry, covered containers. Cherries & Grapes – Store in refrigerator, unwashed, in their packaged plastic containers or plastic bags until ready to wash and eat.

Should cucumbers be refrigerated? ›

Even though cucumbers are prone to chilling injury, the fridge is still the best place to store them. At room temperature, cucumbers will only last for about two days. So, what's the solution? Store cucumbers in the warmest part of the fridge — towards the front, furthest from the cooling elements.

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