Fruits and vegetables are essential for a balanced and healthy diet. Both provide us with important nutrients such as vitamins, minerals and fiber. However, incorrect storage can cause fruits and vegetables to spoil quickly. In addition, vitamins in particular are especially sensitive to temperature and light. If fruit or vegetables are stored incorrectly, a large proportion of the vitamins they contain are lost. We show you how best to store your fruit and vegetables so that they remain fresh and full of healthy ingredients for a long time.
Store fruits and vegetables correctly
Different types of fruits and vegetables cannot all be stored in the same way. Depending on the origin and ingredients of the food, the right temperature as well as humidity play a particularly important role.
The right temperature is crucial
To determine whether a food belongs in the refrigerator or not, you should ask yourself where the food originally comes from. For example, fruits and vegetables from Germany can usually be stored in the refrigerator without concern. Southern fruits such as bananas or melons, on the other hand, do not belong in the refrigerator. This is because the cold can damage the cell tissue of the fruit – bananas, for example, get brown spots in the refrigerator. As a rule, fruits and vegetables from southern climes are best stored at a temperature between 8 and 13 degrees. If fruits or vegetables are stored in a place that is too warm, they can lose up to 70 percent of their vitamins after just two days. In addition to heat, vitamins are also particularly sensitive to light. Therefore, fruits and vegetables that do not belong in the refrigerator are best stored in dark places.
Fruits and vegetables: storage in the refrigerator
The following fruits and vegetables can be stored in the refrigerator without concern:
- Fruits: apricots, pears, peaches, nectarines, cherries, strawberries, blueberries, raspberries, gooseberries, currants, grapes, kiwis and plums.
- Vegetables: broccoli, cauliflower, carrots, kohlrabi, mushrooms, corn, leeks, lettuce, spinach, radishes, Brussels sprouts, asparagus, Chinese cabbage and peas.
By the way, fruits that are stored in the refrigerator are best placed in an open plastic bag so that they do not dry out.
Please do not store in the refrigerator
Slightly warmer – the ideal temperature varies between 8 and 13 degrees, depending on the variety – on the other hand, the following fruits and vegetables should be stored:
- Fruit: melons, mangoes, lemons, papayas, grapefruits and pineapples.
- Vegetables: tomatoes, peppers, zucchini, cucumbers, onions, potatoes, garlic and eggplant.
For their storage, the cellar or pantry are particularly suitable. If no cellar or cool pantry is available, by the way, it is better to store fruits and vegetables at room temperature a little too warm, than in the refrigerator too cold. Bananas, by the way, like it even warmer and are best stored at a temperature between 12 and 15 degrees.
Store fruit properly
Apples: apples become wizened over time as they lose water. That’s why apples are best stored in a room with high humidity, such as a basement. Apples should never be stored with other fruit as they release large amounts of ethylene. Bananas: Bananas do not belong in the refrigerator, where they quickly turn brown. In a dry place, they will keep for about three to four days. Strawberries: Strawberries should always be stored in a cool place – preferably in the refrigerator. Since they are very sensitive, they will only keep them for about two days. Strawberries should also be stored so that they are not exposed to any pressure, otherwise the sweet fruits can easily get bruises. Melons: Melons are best stored in a cellar or cool pantry. If the melon is already cut, it is best to keep it wrapped in plastic wrap. Plums: Plums are best stored unwashed in the refrigerator. This is because the white layer surrounding the plums protects the fruit from drying out. Grapes: Like plums, grapes should be washed just before eating. Otherwise, the grapes dry out more quickly.
Properly store vegetables
Cucumbers: Cucumbers should not be stored in the refrigerator, because they remain freshest at room temperature of about 15 degrees. Therefore, cucumbers are best stored in the basement or pantry. Carrots: Carrots can be stored in the refrigerator – preferably in a plastic bag with holes. Before doing so, however, the green should be removed from the carrots, as it draws water from the vegetable and causes the carrots to become wrinkly. Asparagus: Asparagus should always be eaten as fresh as possible. It keeps best in the refrigerator if wrapped in a kitchen towel beforehand. Tomatoes: Tomatoes do not belong in the refrigerator because they mold easily there. They should be kept in a cool and dry place. Tomatoes should never be stored with other vegetables as they release large amounts of ethylene. Zucchini: Zucchini should not be stored in the refrigerator because they are sensitive to cold. They keep best when stored in a cool, shaded area.