Should you store fruits and vegetables together? No. Learn which ones produce ethylene gas and why separating them is key to preventing premature spoilage.
1 Answer
Generally, it's best to store fruits and vegetables separately in the fridge because some fruits release ethylene gas, which can cause vegetables to ripen and spoil faster.
Detailed Explanation:
Many fruits, such as apples, bananas, melons, avocados, and tomatoes, produce ethylene gas as they ripen. Ethylene is a natural plant hormone that accelerates the ripening process. While this is beneficial for ripening unripe fruits, it can be detrimental when fruits are stored near vegetables.
When ethylene-producing fruits are stored alongside vegetables, the gas can cause vegetables to ripen prematurely, leading to spoilage, discoloration, and loss of nutrients. Some vegetables are particularly sensitive to ethylene, including broccoli, leafy greens (like spinach and lettuce), carrots, cucumbers, and peppers.
To prevent this, store fruits and vegetables in separate crisper drawers in your refrigerator. If your fridge only has one crisper drawer, store ethylene-producing fruits in a separate bag or container. This will help to minimize the exposure of vegetables to ethylene gas and extend their shelf life. Some fruits and vegetables, like berries, benefit from being stored in their own containers to maintain humidity and prevent mold.
Pro Tip:
Store ethylene-producing fruits like bananas outside the refrigerator to slow down their ripening process. Once they are at your desired ripeness, you can then refrigerate them to extend their shelf life, but keep them separate from other produce.