Should you refrigerate plums or keep them outside?

Question

Plums: in the fridge or on the counter? Learn where to store them based on their ripeness to get the juiciest flavor and best texture.

Answer 1

Plums should be refrigerated to extend their shelf life and maintain their quality, especially once ripe. Unripe plums can be kept at room temperature to ripen.

Detailed Explanation:

Plums are best stored based on their ripeness. If you've purchased plums that are still firm to the touch, they are not yet ripe and should be kept at room temperature. This allows them to continue ripening naturally. Place them in a fruit bowl or on the counter, away from direct sunlight. Check them daily for ripeness by gently pressing near the stem. Once the plum yields slightly to pressure, it's ripe and ready to eat or refrigerate.

Ripe plums should be stored in the refrigerator. The cool temperature slows down the ripening process and prevents them from becoming overripe and mushy. Place the ripe plums in a plastic bag or container in the crisper drawer of your refrigerator. This will help maintain humidity and prevent them from drying out. Refrigerated plums can last for up to a week.

Pro Tip:

To speed up the ripening process of unripe plums, place them in a paper bag with a banana or apple. These fruits release ethylene gas, which promotes ripening.