Using a mini fridge to store different types of items such as fruit is a common trend for many people recently. With proper storage, it might keep your fruits fresh for longer until you use them.
Which fruit should be kept in a mini fridge?
Most fruits should be stored in the mini fridge such as:
- Star fruit
- Kiwis
- Mangoes
- Papayas
- Peaches
- Plums
- Pears, etc
To maintain the best taste and crispness, you should not put any unripe fruit inside the fridge. That is because it is difficult for fruits to be ripe within the low temperature of the fridge.
NutriChef Superior Glass Food Storage Containers
Is it safe to store fruit in the mini fridge?
Once you store your fruits properly, it can keep your fruits safe and healthy enough to eat throughout the day. There is no loss in nutritional value as you refrigerate your fruits.
However, for some types of fruits, they are more likely to change their textures and flavors after staying in the fridge for so long. As long as you check all fruits carefully, it does not cause any harmful issues for you to eat these fruits.
Further reading: How to Store Food in the Fridge Correctly?
How to store fruit in a mini fridge to keep it fresh longer?
To keep fruits fresh longer, you can refer some of these following methods:
- Store your fruit in the freezer of the mini fridge: Freezing will be applicable for the whole fruit or small pieces of fruit. Before freezing, you need to rinse them under clean water. Then, leave them outside to drain completely. Next, you transfer your fruits into several freezer-safe containers to start freezing.
- Separate fruits and vegetables: It is not a great idea to keep both fruits and veggies together. You should split them into different bags or containers to reduce the risk of being spoiled quickly.
- Keep apples away from other types of fruits: In fact, apples can make other fruits ripen quicker. So you should keep them apart from others inside the fridge.
- Use safe plastic bags having tiny vents to release moisture
- Store your fruits in the fridge in their original packaging
How long does your fruit stay in the mini fridge?
Normally, most fruits can last for one to a few weeks in your mini fridge. This figure will vary from different types of fruits. Here’s how:
- Ripe avocado: 3 to 5 days
- Ripe apricots: 4 to 5 days
- Cherries: between 4 and 7 days
- Ripe kiwis: 5 to 7 days
- Ripe Melon: 7 to 10 days
- Apples: 3 to 4 weeks
- Blueberries: 1 to 2 weeks
- Oranges: 2 to 3 weeks
- Watermelon: 2 weeks
- Pomegranate: from 1 to 2 months
Spectrum Diversified Euro Small Tree & Basket Hanger
How should you defrost frozen fruit?
- Thawing in the fridge: You should transfer your frozen fruits into a bowl or another container to put in the cooling compartment. You need to give your fruit a few hours to defrost.
- Use the cold water: You put your frozen fruits in a bowl full of cold water. Make sure that water will cover all your fruits. This does take a few minutes for you to thaw these fruits. The big frozen fruits will take longer time, you should change the cold water every 30 minutes to prevent bacteria grow when defrosting.
- Use the microwave: Arrange your fruits into a plate safe for microwave with one or two layers of paper towel at the bottom. For different kinds of fruits, they need about 30 seconds to 2 minutes to defrost. You should not microwave too long to avoid overcooking. It is better if you can check to make sure the fruits are equally thawed.
Drain Basin and Basket
FAQs
Can you store canned fruit in the fridge?
If you do not open your canned fruit, you should keep it in any cool and dry place like your cupboard instead of the fridge. For opened canned fruit, you can move it into the fridge as soon as possible. It might last from 3 to 4 days.
Dole Canned Tropical Fruit in Light Syrup & Passionfruit Juice
How do you know whether fruits turn bad in the fridge?
Once fruits turn bad, there are many features you should consider such as:
- Black or white dots
- Dark brown color
- Being squishy or wrinkly
- Unpleasant smell
Which fruits should be ripened before putting them in the fridge?
You should keep the following fruits outside until they ripe before keeping them in your mini fridge:
- Plums
- Peaches
- Bananas
- Mangoes
- Papaya
- Melons
- Avocados
- Nectarines
- Kiwi
- Guava
- Apricots
Conclusion
Fruits can be kept in the mini fridge to become your healthy snack over a long day. You can refrigerate or freeze the different types of fruits for later use. And you need to follow the instructions so you can keep them fresh longer.
References:
- How to Store Fruit to Keep them Fresh, unlockfood.ca, Retrieved on Aug. 12, 2021
- 8 Fruits and Vegetables You Shouldn’t Be Refrigerating, August 10, 2018
