Many people are used to putting all their purchases in the refrigerator immediately after shopping, but to preserve vitamins and taste, this method is not suitable for all fruits. Incorrect proximity and temperature conditions are the main reasons why food quickly deteriorates and loses its appetizing appearance.
Why can’t all fruits be stored together?
The main enemy of long-term storage is gas ethylenewhich is actively released by some fruits during the ripening process. If you put “carbonating” fruits next to species that are sensitive to them, the latter will quickly begin to rot.
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Emit ethylene: apples, ripe bananas, pears, apricots and plums.
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Sensitive to ethylene: kiwi, watermelon and nectarines.
Refrigerator storage rules
Cold is necessary to slow down the decay process, but excessive humidity may cause mold to appear. To extend the life of fruits, it is important to follow simple rules:
. It is better not to wash berries (strawberries, raspberries, blueberries) in advance, as excess moisture accelerates their spoilage. . Grapes stay fresh longer if stored in a paper bag or perforated container. . Citrus fruits do well on the refrigerator shelf, but they should be kept separate from vegetables.
What’s best left at room temperature?
Some fruits lose their taste and structure at low temperatures. For example, exotic fruits often do not tolerate cold well: their flesh becomes loose and their skin darkens.
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Bananas are best stored in a bunch at room temperature, wrapped around the base of the stem. cling film.
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Firm pears and peaches will ripen and become sweet faster in a dark cupboard rather than in the refrigerator.
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Whole pineapples and mangoes retain their flavor only when warm.
To maintain optimal stock status, it is worth checking the basket regularly and promptly removing fruits that show signs of overripeness. Proper distribution of products among storage areas can significantly reduce the amount of food waste. The right approach to organizing space in the kitchen guarantees the presence of fresh and healthy fruits in the diet every day.
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