Find out the best ways to store fresh fruits and vegetables and what temperatures they need. Some do best on the counter while others should go in the fridge to avoid food waste.
We also have a chart showing the best way to store dry herbs and spices and how long they last.
How to Store Fresh Produce
The best way to stretch your food budget and avoid food waste is to buy just what you need and provide optimimum storage conditions to make everything last as long as possible.
For fresh fruits and vegetables, there are two main options: fridge or countertop.
Pantry items like onions and potatoes do best in cool, dark conditions.
Typical Temperatures:
- Countertop: around 70F or 21C
- Fridge: 35 to 41°F or 1 to 5°C
- Cool Pantry: 32°F to 50°F or 0-10°C
The chart (below) lists the recommended storage for a wide variety of fresh foods. You can also save a printable copy (see Resources below).
Fresh Fruit & Vegetable Storage Chart
Which fresh foods should not go in the fridge?
Best to Never Refrigerate
- Bananas
- Garlic
- Lemons and limes
- Onions
- Potatoes
- Pumpkins
- Sweet potatoes
- Tomatoes
- Winter squashes (acorn, butternut, delicate, spaghetti)
See How to Harvest and Store Winter Squash
What should I do with unripe fruits?
Not all fruits can ripen once they are picked. This shows which ones ripen after picking and those that do not.
If you’ve purchased unripe fruit, check first that it can actually ripen after picking.
If it can, ripen it on the counter first before following the recommended storage advice.
If you place unripe fruit directly in the fridge, the cool temperatures will slow or stall the ripening process and alter the taste and texture.
Storing Berries
Many berries are prone to mold and do best if stored on a single layer, not piled deeply in a container.
Always remove any damaged, diseased, or moldy items before storing.
How long can fruits and vegetables last in the fridge?
How long fruits and vegatables last when stored fresh depends on the condition and age at time of purchase and your storage conditions. I’ve provided general estimates on the tip sheet.
While it can save time later to wash and chop fruits and vegetables ahead, overall they last longer if left as-is until needed.
Resources
Empress of Dirt
FREE TIP SHEET
Fruit & Vegetables Storage Chart
Includes a printable food storage chart.
The download link will be sent to your email.
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~Melissa the Empress of Dirt ♛