April 08,2021
Here’s How Long Your Fresh Produce Will Really Last
Wondering how long your fruits and vegetables will last, and how to tell when produce has gone bad? Here’s a storage guide to help you out!
You’ve just arrived home from the farmers market or grocery store laden with bags full of plump blueberries, juicy peaches, and bright leafy greens, ready to be made into fantastic meals. Keep your bounty fresh with this handy food storage guide.
We’ll outline the shelf life of common fruits and vegetables so you can smartly plan meals to eat your most fragile foods first. (No more finding slimy lettuce in the crisper drawer at the end of the week!)
1. Apples
Photo from Natalie Grainger
4-8 weeks in the fridge - It’s OK if your apple has a few brown spots. Those can be cut away. But if it looks wrinkled or feels mushy, it’s time to toss.
2. Bananas
Photo from Ioana Cristiana
4-7 days at room temperature - Bananas are best when they’re yellow and have just started to develop brown spots. A ripe banana will be easy to peel.
3. Broccoli
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Photo from Reinaldo Kevin
7-14 days in the fridge - Your broccoli should have a rich, green color. It’s best to eat when the stems feel firm, not limp.
4. Carrots
Photo from Harshal S. Hirve
3-4 weeks in the fridge - Carrots are past their prime when they feel limp or have developed a white, grainy look. If you bought carrots with their greens on, it’s best to cut the greens off and store them separately.
5. Cucumbers
Photo from Markus Winkler
1 week in the fridge - Your cucumber should have a bright and even green color throughout. Discard if it has any sunken areas, is yellow, or has wrinkly skin.
6. Lemons
Photo from Thitiphum Koonjantuek
3-4 weeks in the fridge - Healthy lemons will be bright yellow and slightly firm to the touch. It’s overripe if it has soft spots, dark blotches, or is oozing juice.
7. Oranges
Photo from Alice Pasqual
3-4 weeks in the fridge - Juicy oranges will look bright and feel slightly firm to the touch. Check to see that there are no soft spots.
8. Strawberries
Photo from Maksim Shutov
3-7 days in the fridge - Fragrant and bright strawberries are the best to eat. Discard if there is any sign of mold.
9. Watermelon
Photo from Floh Maier
7-10 days at room temperature - Tap on the side. If the melon sounds hollow, it’s good to eat. Also, it should feel firm when pressed but not hard as a rock
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