woman eating grapes in front of open fridge

When you store your fruits and veggies properly, it can help them last longer and save you money. Whether it’s on the countertop, in the fridge, or in a cool, dark and dry place, find out where to best store your fruits and veggies.

Check out our Produce Storage Guide below:

Practical produce storage tips

On the countertop

  • Tomatoes should be stored at room temperature and washed just before using.
  • Avocados, oranges, mangoes, melons, plums, peaches, and pears can be ripened at room temperature. Once ripe, transfer to the fridge for longer storage.
  • Store pineapple upside down for a day or two at room temperature or in the fridge to allow the sweetness to spread throughout the fruit.
  • To speed up the ripening process, place a fruit in a paper bag with a ripe banana. Keep an eye on the fruit daily to ensure the best possible ripeness.
  • For more information, download our Home Storage Guide 

In the pantry (in a cool, dark, and dry place)

  • Garlic, onions, potatoes, and squash should be kept in a well-ventilated area, cool, and dark place.
  • Don’t store your onions and potatoes together, as the gas from onions may cause your potatoes to spoil more quickly.

In the fridge

  • Many fruits and veggies can be stored in the refrigerator.
  • Did you know that apples soften ten times faster at room temperature than in the fridge?
  • A crisper drawer will help protect your produce and keep the moisture in to maintain freshness for longer.
  • Asparagus should be stored in the refrigerator, wrapped with a moist paper towel. You can also stand it up in a glass of cold water, with the tips wrapped in a produce bag.
  • Store your fresh tender herbs, like cilantro and parsley, like flowers in the fridge. Stand them up in a glass with 1-2 inches of water, and cover the top with a produce bag.
  • Plastic bags with tiny vents help keep certain produce fresh for longer by releasing moisture. They are great for grapes, blueberries, cherries, and strawberries.
  • Fresh heads of lettuce store best, when washed and well-dried before refrigerating. Store in a salad spinner or resealable bag with a paper towel.

In the freezer

  • Freezing fruits at home is a fast and convenient way to preserve produce at their peak maturity and nutritional quality.
  • Freezing is not recommended for artichokes, Belgian endive, eggplant, lettuce greens, potatoes (other than mashed), radishes, sprouts and sweet potatoes.
  • Try this:

Peel and freeze your dark bananas in a clean plastic bag. Use them later in baking or for delicious fruit smoothies.

Freeze papaya slices or mangoes on a tray, then store in a clean plastic bag for tasty frozen snacks.

Do you have a storage tip you’d like to share? Let us know via facebook or twitter.

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