10-18-2025 9:46pm

Fruit Storage: Which Ones Should NOT go in The Frig unless Fully Ripened and Quickly Used

S RENEE GREENE Editor

How to Store Your Fruits for Maximum Freshness

Bananas

Hang bananas on a banana hook—not just for looks, but to prevent bruising and extend their shelf life. Keep them at room temperature and away from other fruits, which can speed up ripening.

Avocados

Let unripe avocados rest on the counter, out of direct sunlight. Once they soften, transfer them to the fridge to preserve freshness for a few extra days.

Mangoes

Place unripe mangoes at room temperature, away from sunlight. When ripe, refrigerate them whole or slice and store in an airtight container to maintain flavor and texture.

Tomatoes

Set tomatoes stem-side down on a plate or countertop to minimize bruising and mold. Keep them spread out at room temperature for peak taste.

Stone Fruits (Peaches, Plums, Apricots, Nectarines)

Arrange unripe stone fruits in a single layer at room temperature, away from sunlight. Once they soften, enjoy immediately or refrigerate to slow further ripening.

🍏 Bonus Tip: Mind the Ethylene!
Bananas, avocados, and apples naturally release ethylene gas—a plant hormone that accelerates ripening. “This off-gassing helps them ripen off the tree,” notes Josh Alsberg, owner of Rubinette Produce Market in Portland, Oregon, “but it can also cause nearby fruits to ripen faster than expected.” If you're trying to speed things up, place your fruit in a paper bag with a ripe banana or apple to trap the ethylene and boost ripening. But if you want to slow the process, store these ethylene-producing fruits separately from the rest!