Proper fruit and vegetable storage is something everyone should know, but few have mastered. Be the exception with these helpful hints about where and how to store produce, and how long it will keep.
FRUITS
Apple – refrigerator shelf/drawer; uncut and unwrapped; 3 weeks
Avocado – countertop until ripe, refrigerator shelf when ripe; unwrapped; 4 days once ripe
Banana – countertop; unwrapped; 3 days once ripe
Berries – refrigerator; unwrapped in a vented container; up to 1 week
Citrus – refrigerator shelf/drawer; unwrapped; 2 weeks
Grapes – refrigerator drawer; wrapped in plastic; 1 week
Kiwi – refrigerator drawer; uncut and unwrapped; 1 week
Mango – refrigerator drawer; wrapped in plastic; 1 week
Melon – countertop until ripe, refrigerator shelf once cut; wrapped in plastic once cut; 2-7 days
Peach/Plum – countertop until ripe, refrigerator shelf when ripe; unwrapped; 5-7 days once ripe
Pear – countertop or refrigerator drawer; uncut and unwrapped; 4-7 days
Tomato – countertop or dark place outside refrigerator; uncut and unwrapped; 5-7 days
VEGETABLES
Asparagus – refrigerator shelf, stand lower ends in water; cover top in plastic; 3-7 days
Bell Pepper – refrigerator; wrapped in plastic; 3-7 days
Broccoli – refrigerator drawer; wrapped in plastic; 5-7 days
Cabbage – refrigerator drawer; wrapped in plastic; at least 2 weeks
Carrot – refrigerator drawer; plastic bag; 2-3 weeks
Cauliflower – refrigerator drawer; wrapped in plastic; 3-7 days
Celery – refrigerator shelf/drawer; wrapped in foil; up to 2 weeks
Cucumber – refrigerator drawer; wrapped in paper towel and plastic wrap; 1 week
Eggplant – refrigerator shelf; wrapped in plastic; 1-2 weeks
Green Beans – refrigerator drawer; wrapped in paper towel in plastic bag; 5-7 days
Lettuce – refrigerator drawer; wrapped in a paper towel and plastic wrap; 5-7 days
Mushroom – refrigerator shelf;
Onion – dark place outside refrigerator; uncut and unwrapped; up to 2 months
Potato – dark place outside refrigerator; uncut; 1-2 months
Radish – refrigerator shelf; trim tops before refrigerating in plastic bag; 2 weeks
Zucchini – refrigerator drawer; wrapped in paper towel and plastic wrap; 1 week
Whether produce needs to be stored in the fridge or on the counter, the fully equipped kitchens at The Commons on Kinnear in Columbus, Ohio and The Lofts in Morgantown, West Virginia have you covered.
Sources: MyFitnessPal, Listly, Daily Infographic