STORING FRUIT & VEGETABLES TO EXTEND LIFE AND PREVENT SPOILAGE
Store in the refrigerator |
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FRUIT |
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VEGETABLES |
Broccoli |
Celery |
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Apples* |
Cherries |
Artichokes |
Brussel Sprouts |
Cut Vegetables |
Lettuce |
Spinach |
Apricots |
Cut Fruit |
Asparagus |
Cabbage |
Green Onions |
Mushrooms |
Sprouts |
Asian Pears |
Figs |
Green Beans |
Carrots |
Leafy Greens |
Peas |
Summer Squash |
Berries |
Grapes |
Beets |
Cauliflower |
Leeks |
Radishes |
Sweet Corn |
*More than 7 days
First let ripen on the counter, then store in the refrigerator |
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Avocadoes |
Kiwi |
Nectarines |
Peaches |
Pears |
Plums |
Store at room temperature |
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FRUIT |
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VEGETABLES |
Ginger |
Potatoes* |
Apples* |
Mangoes |
Persimmons |
Cucumber |
Jicama |
Pumpkins |
Bananas |
Melons |
Pineapple |
Eggplant |
Onions |
Tomatoes |
Citrus fruits |
Papayas |
Pomegranates |
Garlic |
Peppers |
Winter Squash |
*Less than 7 days *Potatoes (All)
*Store Potatoes & Onions Separately in a cool, dry place. Although they don’t produce ethylene gas, both release moisture which can cause the other to spoil faster.
Certain types of fruits and vegetables produce ethylene gas which causes fruits and vegetables that are ethylene sensitive to ripen and spoil faster. It is important to store these separately to avoid spoilage and waste.
Fruits & Vegetables that produce ethylene:
High-medium producers- Apples, Apricots, Avocadoes (ripe), Bananas, Figs, Mangoes, Melons- Cantaloupe & Honeydew, Nectarines, Papayas, Peaches, Pears, Plums, Tomatoes
Low producers- Berries (Blackberries, Blueberries, Cherries, Raspberries, Strawberries), Grapes, Citrus Fruits (Grapefruit, Oranges, Tangerines), Peppers (Bell), Pineapple
Producers of ethylene are also sensitive to ethylene production.
Fruits & Vegetables sensitive to ethylene:
Asparagus, Beans, Bok Choy, Broccoli, Brussel sprouts, Cabbage, Carrots, Cauliflower, Celery, Cucumbers, Eggplant, Green onions, Kiwi, Lettuce and other Greens, Leeks, Mushrooms, Parsnips, Peas (Snap, Snow, Sugar), Peppers (Hot), Persimmons, Potatoes, Pumpkins, Rambutan, Squash- summer & winter, Watermelon
Source: UC Davis Postharvest Technology