Fruits Storage: Shelf Life Of Fruits

Fruits Storage: Shelf Life Of Fruits – Shelf life is the time how long a product can be stored before it becomes unusable. Term ‘shelf life’ refers primarily to the quality of the food while the expiration date refers to the safety of product consummation. Therefore, fresh fruits and vegetables can be completely safe to use after expiration of shelf life, but may deteriorate in quality that would affect its usefulness and commercial value.

Apples: You can keep them on the shelf for up to two weeks, but make sure that the room where they are kept is fresh (pantry or basement).

Citrus fruits: Keep them in a cool and ventilated place. Be sure not to keep citrus in closed containers that do not allow air circulation because citrus fruits release ethylene, which accelerates ripening and can cause rotting of the fruit.

Apricots: If the fruits are slightly greener keep them at room temperature on a shelf and if they are fully ripe, keep them in the fridge. Cherries: Keep them in a sealed container. Do not wash them before you would want to spend because any moisture on the fruit encourages the development of mold.

Berries (raspberries, blackberries, blueberries, etc.): Do not forget that these fruits are very sensitive, so when you want to keep for some time make sure that they are not packed in large quantities because of their own weight can damage the fruits that are on the bottom. The best is to keep them in a single layer, if possible. These fruits are sensitive to moisture and should be stored in the open bowls or in the paper bags and wash them only before eating.

Figs: Figs are sensitive to increased humidity, so they should not be kept in sealed containers. Paper bags may be used because they allow fruit to breathe and reduce condensation. However, keeping in the fridge on a plate or in a bowl in a thin layer will allow you to save figs up to a week.

Nectarines: Similar apricots and peaches, nectarines can be stored in the refrigerator if they are fully mature. However, it is best to keep them at room temperature for a day or two before eating, to soften and develop a characteristic aroma.

Peaches: Like the rest of stone fruits (apricot, nectarine, etc.) can be stored at room temperature if they are not fully matured. Fully ripe fruits should be stored in the refrigerator.

Pears: pear fruits can be kept on the shelf for several weeks and even better if you can keep them in paper bags (note that this applies only to fruit not at full maturity, ie, not completely soften). If you want to speed up their ripening, you can put between them few apples.

Pomegranate: Can be stored up to one month on a shelf in a cool place.
Strawberries: Strawberries do not tolerate moisture. They are best kept in an open bowl or a paper bag in the refrigerator. If the fruits are healthy and not overripe, can be stored up to one week, but it is still necessary to check if they show any sign of mold.