FRUIT & VEGETABLE STORAGE TIPS
Maximise freshness and reduce food waste with our simple storage guide.
FRUITS
Apples (Pink Lady, Gala, Green, Kanzi)
- Store whole apples in the fridge’s crisper drawer.
- Keep them away from other fruits, as they release a gas that can speed up ripening.
- Sliced apples can be kept from browning with a light coating of lemon juice or salt water.
- From September until end of February, apples should be stored in the fridge to increase shelf life.
Avocados
- Store unripe avocados on the counter.
- To speed up ripening, place them in a paper bag with a banana.
- Once ripe, move them to the fridge to extend their freshness.
- To store a cut avocado, leave the pit in, sprinkle with lime or lemon juice, and wrap tightly in plastic.
Bananas
- Keep bananas at room temperature until ripe.
- Store them away from other produce, as they release a gas that accelerates ripening.
- Once ripe, you can store them in the fridge; the skin may darken, but the fruit inside will remain fresh.
Berries (Blueberries, Blackberries, Raspberries and Strawberries)*
- Do not wash berries until you are ready to eat them.
- Store unwashed berries in a single layer in a sealed container lined with a paper towel.
- Keep them in the fridge.
Cherries
- Store unwashed cherries in a single layer in a container in the fridge.
- Keep them dry, as moisture can cause them to spoil quickly.
- Wash right before eating.
Lemons, Limes, Mandarins, Oranges
- Store citrus fruits in the refrigerator crisper drawer.
- For best flavour, store them unwrapped.
- They will last longer in the fridge than on the counter.
Apricots, Peaches, Nectarines & Plums*
- Store firm, unripe stone fruit in a paper bag on the counter to ripen.
- Once ripe, move them to the fridge to keep them fresh for longer.
- Wash just before eating.
Kiwi Fruit (Green & Gold)
- Store unripe kiwi fruit in a paper bag on the counter.
- To speed up ripening, place it with an apple or banana.
- Once ripe, move to the fridge to extend its life.
Kiwi Berries
- Store kiwi berries in an open container in the fridge.
- They are delicate, so handle them with care.
Mangoes, Papaya, Papaw*
- Store unripe fruit at room temperature on the counter.
- Once ripe, you can place them in the fridge to slow down the ripening process.
Passionfruit
- Store passionfruit in the refrigerator for up to a week.
- The skin may shrivel as it ages, but the fruit inside remains good.
Pears (Packham, Corella, Nashi)
- Store unripe pears on the counter.
- Once they are soft to the touch, move them to the fridge to keep them from over-ripening.
Pineapples
- Store a whole pineapple on the counter at room temperature.
- Once ripe, you can refrigerate it for a few days.
- To store cut pineapple, place chunks in an airtight container in the fridge.
Pomegranate
- Store whole pomegranates in the fridge for up to two weeks.
- The seeds can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for a few days.
Rhubarb
- Store unwashed stalks in a plastic bag in the fridge’s crisper drawer.
- For long-term storage, you can chop and freeze them.
Rockmelons & Melons*
- Store whole melons on the counter until they are ripe.
- Once cut, store the pieces in an airtight container in the fridge.
Freezing Tip
- Freeze any excess fruit that may be over-ripe to add into smoothies or make fruit sorbets or gelato.
- Applies to: Bananas, Blueberries, Blackberries, Strawberries, Raspberries, Peaches, Nectarines, Mangoes, Passionfruit, Cherries.
VEGETABLES
Asparagus
- Trim the ends and stand the spears upright in a jar with a little water, like a bouquet.
- Cover the tops with a plastic bag and place in the fridge.
Beans (Broad & Green)
- Store fresh beans in a loosely sealed bag in the fridge.
- For long-term storage, blanch and freeze.
Beetroot
- Remove the green tops, as they will draw moisture from the beetroot.
- Store the beetroots in an open plastic bag in the fridge.
- Store the greens separately, as you would other leafy greens.
Broccoli
- Store unwashed broccoli in a loose plastic bag in the fridge.
- For best results, use within 3-5 days.
Broccolini
- Store unwashed broccolini in a perforated plastic bag in the fridge’s crisper drawer.
- Best when used within 3-5 days.
Brussel Sprouts
- Store unwashed brussel sprouts in a plastic bag in the fridge.
- Use them as soon as possible for the best flavour.
Cabbage
- Store whole or cut cabbage wedges wrapped tightly in plastic wrap in the fridge’s crisper drawer.
Capsicums (Red, Green & Yellow)
- Store whole capsicums unwashed in the fridge.
- They can be kept in a plastic bag or the crisper drawer.
Carrots
- Remove the green tops to prevent moisture loss.
- Store carrots in an open bag in the fridge.
- If you want crunchy carrot sticks, peel and cut them, place them in a glass jar and cover with filtered water. Change the water every 3-4 days.
Cauliflower
- Store a whole head of cauliflower in a perforated plastic bag in the fridge.
- Do not wash until ready to use.
Celery
- Wrap the whole celery bunch tightly in foil before placing it in the fridge.
- Alternatively, place in a sealed container and cover with paper towel to absorb excess moisture.
- Do not store celery with other vegetables.
- These methods will keep it crisp for several weeks.
Chillies
- Store fresh chillies in a paper bag in the fridge for up to a few weeks.
- For longer storage, they can be dried or frozen.
Cucumber
- Wrap each cucumber individually in a paper towel to absorb moisture.
- Store them in an open plastic bag in the fridge’s warmest section (like the door).
Eggplant
- Store in the warmest part of your fridge (like the door) in a plastic bag.
- Use within a week, as it can spoil quickly.
Fennel
- Separate the bulb from the stalks and fronds.
- Store the bulb wrapped in a damp paper towel in the fridge.
- Store the fronds as you would fresh herbs.
Ginger & Turmeric
- Store fresh ginger and turmeric root in a paper bag in the crisper drawer of the fridge.
- For longer storage, you can also freeze the unpeeled root.
Garlic, fresh
- Store whole heads of garlic in a cool, dry, and dark place with good air circulation.
- Do not store in the fridge, as it will sprout.
Globe Artichokes
- Sprinkle artichokes with a little water and store them in an airtight plastic bag in the fridge.
Leafy Greens
- Store unwashed leafy greens in a perforated plastic bag or a container with a damp paper towel.
- Keep them in the fridge’s crisper drawer.
- Applies to: Asian greens, Kale, Lettuce, Silverbeet, Spinach, Watercress, Baby Spinach, Rocket Lettuce, Endive & Iceberg Lettuce.
- Wash just before use to avoid moisture, which causes spoilage.
Mushrooms
- Store unwashed mushrooms in a paper bag in the fridge.
- The paper bag allows them to breathe and prevents them from becoming slimy.
Onions (Red & Brown)
- Store whole, unpeeled onions in a cool, dark, and dry place with good ventilation.
- Do not store them in the fridge, as they will get soft.
Onions (Spring & Green)
- Stand upright in a glass of water in the fridge, like a vase.
- Cover the tops loosely with a plastic bag.
Parsnip
- Store unwashed parsnips in a perforated plastic bag in the fridge’s crisper drawer.
- They can last for several weeks.
Peas (Green)
- Store unshelled peas in a paper bag in the crisper drawer of the fridge.
- For best flavour and texture, use as soon as possible.
Potatoes & Chat (Baby Potatoes)
- Store in a cool, dark, and dry place with good air circulation.
- Keep them away from onions, as the gases from both can cause them to spoil faster.
Pumpkin (Kent & Butternut)
- Store whole, uncut pumpkins in a cool, dark, and dry place.
- Once cut, wrap the pieces in plastic wrap and store in the fridge.
Snowpeas
- Store unwashed snowpeas in a plastic bag in the fridge’s crisper drawer.
- Use them within a few days for the best crisp texture.
Sweetcorn
- Keep corn in its husk and store in the fridge.
- Use as soon as possible after purchasing for the best flavour.
Sweet Potatoes
- Store sweet potatoes in a cool, dark, and well-ventilated space.
- Do not refrigerate them, as the cold can cause the centre to harden.
Tomatoes & Cherry Tomatoes
- Store tomatoes at room temperature, stem-side up, away from direct sunlight.
- Refrigerating tomatoes can cause them to lose flavour and develop a mealy texture.
Wombok
- Store in a plastic bag in the fridge’s crisper drawer.
- Use within a few days for the best crispness.
Zucchini
- Store unwashed zucchini in a plastic bag in the fridge’s crisper drawer.
HERBS
Basil
- Treat these delicate herbs like a bouquet of flowers.
- Trim the stems and place them in a jar with a cm of water.
- Cover loosely with a plastic bag. Store on the counter.
Coriander, Parsley
- Treat these delicate herbs like a bouquet of flowers.
- Trim the stems and place them in a jar with a cm of water.
- Cover loosely with a plastic bag and store in the fridge.
Hard Herbs
- Wrap them in a slightly damp paper towel, then place in a sealed plastic bag.
- Store in the fridge’s crisper drawer.
- Applies to: Rosemary, Thyme, Oregano, Sage, Marjoram.
Mint
- Wash and dry the mint leaves thoroughly.
- Store them wrapped in a damp paper towel inside a sealed container or bag in the fridge.
NOTES
*This item is best eaten at room temperature for the ultimate taste and flavour. Remove from the fridge half
an hour before consumption.