Fresh
Produce
Storage
Guide

We recommend you take a moment to read our handy guide for storing your fruits & vegetables to ensure maximum freshness and shelf life.

Storage Location Key

Refrigerator - Store in refrigerator (32-40°F / 0-4°C)
Refrigerator - Store in refrigerator (32-40°F / 0-4°C)
Refrigerator - Store in refrigerator (32-40°F / 0-4°C)

Fruits

Apples

  • Storage life: 4-6 weeks
  • Tips: Store in crisper drawer; keep away from strong-smelling foods

Avocados

  • Storage life: 3-5 days (ripe at room temp), 7-10 days (ripe in fridge)
  • Tips: Refrigerate ripe avocados to slow further ripening

Bananas

  • Storage life: 2-7 days
  • Tips: Keep away from other fruits; can refrigerate when ripe (skin darkens but fruit stays good)

Berries

(strawberries, blueberries, raspberries, blackberries)

  • Storage life: 3-7 days
  • Tips: Don't wash until ready to eat; remove any mouldy berries immediately

Cherries

  • Storage life: 4-7 days
  • Tips: Store unwashed in a plastic bag

Grapes

  • Storage life: 1-2 weeks
  • Tips: Store in original packaging or perforated plastic bag

Citrus Fruits

(oranges, lemons, limes, grapefruit)

  • Storage life: 1-2 weeks (counter), 3-4 weeks (refrigerator)
  • Tips: Counter storage for 1 week is fine; refrigerate for longer storage

Kiwi

  • Storage life: 5-7 days (ripe), 2-3 weeks (unripe at room temp)
  • Tips: Ripen at room temperature, then refrigerate

Mangoes

  • Storage life: 3-5 days (room temp), 5-7 days (refrigerated when ripe)

Melons

(watermelon, cantaloupe, honeydew)

  • Storage life: 3-5 days (cut), 5-7 days (whole in fridge), 2-4 days (whole on counter)
  • Tips: Store whole melons at room temp until cut

Nectarines

  • Storage life: 3-4 days (room temp), 5-7 days (refrigerated when ripe)
  • Tips: Ripen at room temperature until slightly soft

Peaches

  • Storage life: 3-4 days (room temp), 5-7 days (refrigerated when ripe)
  • Tips: Ripen at room temperature until slightly soft

Pears

  • Storage life: 5-7 days (ripe), 3-5 days (room temp for ripening)
  • Tips: Ripen at room temperature, refrigerate when soft

Pineapple

  • Storage life: 2-4 days (whole), 3-5 days (cut in fridge)
  • Tips: Store upside down for sweeter taste

Plums

  • Storage life: 3-4 days (room temp), 5-7 days (refrigerated when ripe)
  • Tips: Ripen at room temperature until slightly soft

Tomatoes

  • Storage life: 3-7 days
  • Tips: Never refrigerate (loses flavour and texture); store stem-side down

Vegetables

Asparagus

  • Storage life: 3-5 days
  • Tips: Store upright in a jar with 1" of water, covered with plastic bag

Aubergine

  • Storage life: 3-5 days (room temp), 5-7 days (refrigerated)
  • Tips: Use quickly; sensitive to cold

Bell Peppers

  • Storage life: 1-2 weeks
  • Tips: Store unwashed in crisper drawer

Broccoli

  • Storage life: 5-7 days
  • Tips: Store unwashed in perforated plastic bag

Brussels Sprouts

  • Storage life: 1-2 weeks
  • Tips: Store in original container or plastic bag

Cabbage

  • Storage life: 1-2 months (whole), 3-5 days (cut)
  • Tips: Keep whole for maximum shelf life

Carrots

  • Storage life: 3-4 weeks
  • Tips: Remove green tops; store in plastic bag with damp paper towel

Cauliflour

  • Storage life: 5-7 days
  • Tips: Store unwashed in perforated plastic bag

Celery

  • Storage life: 2-3 weeks
  • Tips: Wrap in aluminum foil or store in water in container

Corn (fresh)

  • Storage life: 1-3 days
  • Tips: Keep in husk; use quickly for best sweetness

Courgettes

(zucchini)

  • Storage life: 4-7 days
  • Tips: Store unwashed in plastic bag

Cucumber

  • Storage life: 1 week
  • Tips: Store towards front of fridge (warmer area); sensitive to cold damage

Garlic

(cool, dark, dry place)

  • Storage life: 3-6 months (whole bulb), 7-10 days (individual cloves)
  • Tips: Store in mesh bag or open container with air circulation

Green Beans

  • Storage life: 5-7 days
  • Tips: Store unwashed in plastic bag

Leafy Greens

(lettuce, spinach, kale, arugula)

  • Storage life: 3-7 days (lettuce), 5-7 days (heartier greens)
  • Tips: Wash and dry thoroughly; store in container with paper towels

Mushrooms

  • Storage life: 5-7 days
  • Tips: Store in paper bag (not plastic); don't wash until ready to use

Onions

(cool, dark, dry place)

  • Storage life: 2-3 months
  • Tips: Store away from potatoes; keep in mesh bag or open container

Potatoes

(cool, dark, dry place)

  • Storage life: 2-3 months
  • Tips: Store away from onions; never refrigerate (converts starch to sugar)

Radishes

  • Storage life: 1-2 weeks
  • Tips: Remove greens; store in plastic bag

Summer Squash

  • Storage life: 4-7 days
  • Tips: Store unwashed in plastic bag

Sweet Potatoes

  • Storage life: 2-3 weeks
  • Tips: Store in cool, dry, dark place; don't refrigerate

Winter Squash

(butternut, acorn, spaghetti)

  • Storage life: 1-3 months
  • Tips: Store whole in cool, dry place

General Storage Tips

Ethylene Gas Producers

Some fruits produce ethylene gas, which speeds ripening. Keep these SEPARATE from ethylene-sensitive produce:

High Ethylene Producers

Apples, apricots, avocados, bananas (ripe), cantaloupe, kiwi (ripe), mangoes, peaches, pears, plums, tomatoes

Ethylene Sensitive

(keep away from ethylene producers)

Broccoli, Brussels sprouts, cabbage, carrots, cauliflower, cucumbers, leafy greens, peppers, squash

Humidity Matters

High Humidity

(crisper drawer with closed vent)

  • Leafy greens, broccoli, carrots, celery, cucumbers, green beans

Low Humidity

(crisper drawer with open vent)

  • Apples, pears, stone fruits, avocados

Washing and Storing

Don't Wash Before Storing

Wait to wash produce until you're ready to use it. Excess moisture promotes mould and bacterial growth.

Check Regularly

Remove any spoiled pieces immediately to prevent spread to other produce.

When in Doubt

If unsure whether produce is still good, look for:

  • Unusual odors
  • Visible mold
  • Excessive softness or mushiness
  • Discoloration
  • Slimy texture

Freezing Guide

Many fruits and vegetables can be frozen for long-term storage (8-12 months):

Good For Freezing

    Bananas (peeled)
    Berries (wash and dry, freeze in single layer)
    Broccoli (blanched)
    Cauliflower (blanched)
    Corn (blanched)
    Green beans (blanched)
    Leafy greens (blanched)
    Mango (cubed)
    Pineapple (cubed)
    Peppers (chopped)
    Tomatoes (whole or as sauce)

Not Recommended for Freezing

    Cucumbers
    Leafy greens (raw)
    Lettuce
    Potatoes (raw)
    Radishes
    Tomatoes (whole for fresh use)
Blanching Note: Most vegetables should be blanched (briefly boiled, then ice water bath) before freezing to preserve color, texture, and nutrients.

Storage Summary Chart

Produce

Location

Life Expectancy

Apples
Refrigerator
4-6 weeks
Avocados (ripe)
Refrigerator
7-10 days
Bananas
Counter
2-7 days
Berries
Refrigerator
3-7 days
Broccoli
Refrigerator
5-7 days
Carrots
Refrigerator
3-4 weeks
Citrus
Refrigerator / counter
1-4 weeks
Cucumber
Refrigerator
1 week
Garlic
Pantry
3-6 months
Leafy greens
Refrigerator
3-7 days
Onions
Pantry
2-3 months
Potatoes
Pantry
2-3 months
Tomatoes
Counter
2-3 months3-7 days
Remember: These are general guidelines. Actual storage life depends on the individual storage conditions and produce variety. Always inspect produce before consuming and trust your senses! All fresh Fruit & Vegetables should be washed thoroughly before consuming.