All kinds of fruits, because they are rich in vitamins and essential nutrients to maintain health, should be stored properly so that their beneficial properties remain available. Adhering to the correct methods of storing fruits helps to increase their useful properties and increases the shelf life of fruits.
In this article prepared by the Vira team, we will get to know different and effective methods of preserving fruit over time and we will learn strategies to increase the shelf life of our fruits.
Important Notes:
- Observing the appropriate temperature for storing fruits, when the fruits are rarely used.
- Choosing and using the right packaging of fruits to increase their shelf life.
- Maintaining proper humidity for the best storage of fruits.
- Using simple and effective home methods to preserve fruits at home.
- Choosing and buying fresh and quality fruits to increase their shelf life.
Suitable temperature for fruit storage
Temperature is one of the most important factors that should be taken into account in fruit storage. High temperature accelerates the ripening process and spoilage of the fruit; low temperature reduces the stability and quality of the fruit and causes damage such as fruit frost.
To increase the shelf life of fruits and maintain their quality, it is necessary to observe the appropriate temperature for fruit storage. To ensure the right temperature, we must have it available according to the type of fruit.
| type of fruit | Suitable temperature (degrees Celsius) |
|---|---|
| Apples and pears | Between 1-3 degrees Celsius |
| Date | 3-5 degrees Celsius |
| Strawberry | 1-2 degrees Celsius |
| Figs and apricots | Between 0-5 degrees Celsius |
| Watermelon and cucumber | Between 4-8 degrees Celsius |
| Orange and lemon | Between 2-5 degrees Celsius |
In addition, some fruits such as dates, olives, and cucumbers are better kept at room temperature and away from direct sunlight.
By observing the appropriate temperature for fruit storage, it is prevented from spoiling and reducing its quality.
Air humidity and its effect on fruit storage
One of the important factors in the shelf life of fruits is the amount of air humidity in the storage environment. Proper humidity during fruit storage helps to prevent drying, rough skin, freezing, and sourness.
You can use the following methods to maintain proper humidity in the fruit storage environment:
- Using air humidity display devices to monitor the humidity in the storage environment
- Using containers and placing them in a container with suitable internal humidity
- Use towels soaked in water and vacuum plastics (with zipper) and place them in the storage environment.
In addition to these methods, it is recommended to use moisturizing gum or other methods to maintain moisture. The best type of fruit packaging for moisture preservation is to use packaging with a seal.
The importance of proper packaging in keeping and increasing the shelf life of fruits
Proper packaging is one of the most important factors in the shelf life of fruits. The use of suitable packaging can be very effective in maintaining the freshness and health of fruits. Wrapping fruit, in addition to helping you keep it longer, can also help prevent rotting and other potential problems.
Some suitable packaging methods are:
- Using boxes and bowls: Using boxes and bowls to store fruits such that the fruits are placed firmly and safely in them, and it is not likely to cause them to break, rot, or spoil.
- Using resealable bags: Using resealable bags is very useful for storing fruits. These bags can be used for quick and simple storage of fruits and prevent fruits from being stored in garbage bags.
- Use of vacuum packaging: To protect fruits that are sensitive to oxygen, vacuum packaging can be used to maintain the surface of the fruit by maintaining moisture and reducing oxygen.
By choosing the right packaging, the shelf life of fruits can be improved. In this section, we got acquainted with methods for choosing and using suitable packaging.
Homemade methods of preserving fruits
In addition to industrial methods, as a home user, you can also store your fruits properly using simpler methods. We will mention some of these methods below:
- Using containers with lids: You can use containers with lids to store chopped fruits. After chopping the fruit, put it in a container, close the lid, and put it in the refrigerator. This method prevents the contact of the fruit with air and increases its shelf life.
- Use of plastic bags: For a variety of fruits such as apples, grapes, and berries, you can use plastic bags. Put the fruits in the bag and take out the air inside to avoid contact with the air. This method increases the shelf life and freshness of the fruit.
- Refrigerate fruits like dates and plums: To preserve fruits like dates and plums, you can put them in the refrigerator for a few hours to cool them down. This method prevents them from running out and helps to improve their durability.
| انواع میوه | مدت زمان نگهداری در یخچال |
| پرتقال | 3 تا 4 هفته |
| هلو | 1 تا 2 هفته |
| نارنگی | 3 تا 4 هفته |
| لیموترش | 4 تا 6 روز |
| موز | 1 تا 2 هفته |
| لیمو | 4 تا 6 روز |
| نارگیل | 3 تا 5 روز |
| آناناس | 3 تا 5 روز |
| انار | 1 تا 2 هفته |
| انگور | 1 تا 2 هفته |
| توت فرنگی | 3 تا 5 روز |
| خربزه | 1 تا 2 هفته |
| سیب | 3 تا 4 هفته |
| شلیل | 1 تا 2 هفته |
| گلابی | 1 تا 2 هفته |
| هندوانه | 1 تا 2 هفته |
| آووکادو | 3 تا 4 روز |
| گیلاس | 1 تا 2 هفته |
Important tips for buying fruit
Buying fruit from the market is one of the better and healthier ways to provide fresh and healthy fruit. Here are some important points that you should follow when buying fresh fruits to increase their shelf life:
- If you want your fresh fruits to last the longest, it is better to buy them at the right times. Each fruit has its season and should be done at the right time.
- Fruits that are red, soft, and have a good smell are a good indicator of the properties of the fruit. Therefore, pay attention to these things when buying fruits.
- Fruits that have many lines and cuts are a sign that they were damaged at the time of harvest, and this shortens their shelf life.
- Before buying fruits, you can easily detect their sweetness and acidity by testing their taste, and as a result, you can buy higher-quality fruits.
By following these tips, you can get quality and freshest fruits that will extend their shelf life.
Summary
In this article, we learned about effective and practical solutions for preserving fruits and increasing their shelf life. By observing the right temperature, air humidity, proper packaging, and using home methods, we can improve the shelf life of fruits and use them for a longer period. Also, choosing and buying fresh and high-quality fruits plays an important role in increasing their shelf life.
Q&A
What methods are there to preserve fruits and increase their shelf life?
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Refrigerator: Keeping fruits in the refrigerator delays the degradation process.
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Gas-retaining boxes: Some fruits produce gases such as ethylene. Gas storage boxes reduce ethane production and delay fruit spoilage.
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Avoiding direct contact with air: Prevent direct contact of the fruit with air by using plastic or foils.
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Keep cool: If possible, keep fruits in a cool environment.
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Segregation of fruits: quickly allocate fruits to the field of fruits to prevent the transfer of gases and faster spoilage.
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Freezing: The shelf life of some fruits can be increased by freezing.
What effect does choosing the right temperature for fruit storage have on its shelf life?
Temperature has a great effect on fruit shelf life. Low temperatures slow down the degradation process increase the storage time and delay the spoilage of the fruit. In general, refrigerator temperature (around 4°C) is suitable for most fruits.
How can air humidity help fruit to last?
Air humidity can prevent the fruits from drying and graying and prevent the loss of moisture in them, which helps to prolong the storage period and prevent drying and loss of quality.
What is the effect of proper packaging on the storage and shelf life of fruits?
Proper packaging of fruits can protect them from direct contact with air, reduce gas exchange, and protect against damage, which helps to prolong the shelf life of the fruit and maintain its quality.
What are the home methods for preserving fruits?
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Separation of fruits: Separate fruits that have ripened quickly from other fruits so that the ethylene gases produced by one fruit do not accelerate the ripening process of other fruits.
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Using plastic bags: Pack the fruits in plastic bags to prevent the fruit from coming in contact with the air.
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Use of protective boxes: For fruits that are damaged by pressure, use protective boxes.
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Refrigeration: Keep perishable fruits in the refrigerator.
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Using a tablecloth or napkin: Cover the fruits with a tablecloth or napkin to avoid direct contact with the surface of the air.
What points should be observed when buying fruit?
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Color and shine: Choose the fruit based on color, smell, and shine; This indicates the ripeness and quality of the fruit.
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Softness level: The fruit should be soft thanks to the slow pressure of your fingers, but not too soft or hard.
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No scratches or scars: The fruit should not be scratched or scarred, as this may lead to spoilage.
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Stem and fruit temperature: The stem should be green and fresh and the light should reach specific areas associated with each type of fruit.
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Natural smell: The fruit should have a natural smell and no unpleasant smell or signs of spoilage.