Are you wasting money on fruits and veggies that spoil too quickly? The problem might not be your produce—but how you’re storing it! Many Australians unknowingly store their fresh produce incorrectly, leading to faster spoilage, lost nutrients, and unnecessary food waste.
In this guide, we’ll reveal 10 commonly misstored fruits and vegetables, why they go bad too soon, and how to store them properly to keep them fresher for longer.
1. Avocados 🥑 (Stop Refrigerating Them Too Soon!)
Source www.avoseedo.com
What You’re Doing Wrong:
Storing unripe avocados in the fridge, which slows down the ripening process and makes them go mushy inside before they’re even ready to eat.
✅ How to Store It Correctly:
- Keep unripe avocados at room temperature until they soften.
- Once ripe, move them to the fridge to extend freshness for up to 5 more days.
- Want to speed up ripening? Place avocados in a paper bag with a banana to trap ethylene gas and ripen them faster.
2. Tomatoes 🍅 (Keep Them Out of the Fridge!)
What You’re Doing Wrong:
Storing tomatoes in the fridge, which ruins their texture and dulls their flavor.
✅ How to Store It Correctly:
- Keep whole tomatoes at room temperature in a bowl, stem side down to prevent bruising.
- Only refrigerate if they become overripe, but bring them back to room temperature before eating for best taste.
3. Potatoes 🥔 (Avoid Storing Near Onions!)
Source: ruralsprout.com
What You’re Doing Wrong:
Storing potatoes and onions together, which speeds up sprouting and spoilage due to ethylene gas.
✅ How to Store It Correctly:
- Store potatoes in a cool, dark place (like a pantry or cupboard).
- Keep them away from onions to extend their shelf life.
- Never refrigerate raw potatoes—the cold converts starch into sugar, making them gritty and overly sweet.
4. Bananas 🍌 (Keep Them Separate!)
Source: tasteofhome.com
What You’re Doing Wrong:
Leaving bananas in a bunch after bringing them home, which makes them ripen too quickly.
✅ How to Store It Correctly:
- Separate bananas individually to slow ripening.
- Wrap the stems in plastic wrap to reduce ethylene gas release.
- Keep bananas out of the fridge until fully ripe—then refrigerate to slow further ripening.
5. Carrots 🥕 (Ditch the Plastic Bag!)
What You’re Doing Wrong:
Leaving carrots in plastic bags, which traps moisture and makes them slimy.
✅ How to Store It Correctly:
- Remove the green tops (they suck moisture from the carrot).
- Store carrots in an open container or a breathable bag in the crisper drawer.
- For extra freshness, store in a container of water and change the water every few days.
6. Garlic 🧄 (Let It Breathe!)
Source: eatingwell.com
What You’re Doing Wrong:
Storing garlic in plastic bags or airtight containers, which traps moisture and encourages mold.
✅ How to Store It Correctly:
- Keep garlic in a mesh bag or open basket in a dry, cool, well-ventilated place.
- Never refrigerate whole bulbs, but you can store peeled cloves in the fridge for short-term use.
7. Leafy Greens 🥬 (Stop Storing Them Wet!)
Source: eating-made-easy.com
What You’re Doing Wrong:
Storing greens in plastic bags without drying them first, leading to quick wilting and sliminess.
✅ How to Store It Correctly:
- Wash leafy greens only when ready to use.
- Store them in an airtight container with a dry paper towel to absorb excess moisture.
- Refresh wilted greens by soaking them in cold water for 10 minutes before use.
8. Cucumbers 🥒 (Keep Them Dry & Cool!)
What You’re Doing Wrong:
Keeping cucumbers in the fridge, which makes them wrinkly and watery.
✅ How to Store It Correctly:
- Store cucumbers at room temperature, away from direct sunlight.
- If refrigerating, wrap them in a dry paper towel and store in the crisper drawer for a few extra days.
9. Apples 🍏 (Keep Them Separate!)
Source: tastingtable.com
What You’re Doing Wrong:
Storing apples next to other fruits, which speeds up ripening and spoilage.
✅ How to Store It Correctly:
- Store apples in the fridge crisper drawer to stay fresh for weeks.
- Keep them away from bananas, avocados, and pears (all ethylene producers).
10. Pumpkins & Squash 🎃 (Don’t Refrigerate Whole!)
Source: thespruceeats.com
What You’re Doing Wrong:
Putting whole pumpkins in the fridge, which reduces their shelf life.
✅ How to Store It Correctly:
- Store whole pumpkins in a cool, dry place (like a pantry).
- Once cut, wrap in plastic wrap or store in an airtight container in the fridge.
Final Thoughts: Store Smarter, Waste Less!
By storing your fruits and vegetables correctly, you’ll reduce waste, save money, and enjoy fresher, tastier produce every day.
💡 Which of these storage mistakes have you been making? Let us know in the comments! And don’t forget to share these tips with your friends and family.