From market to mouth – keep fruits fresh in summer!
Apart from rising temperatures, summer brings a burst of colourful, juicy fruits—mangoes, watermelons, lychees, muskmelons, papayas, and jamuns, to name a few. But while we enjoy their taste, one challenge remains—how to keep these fruits fresh in the scorching heat?
This comprehensive guide provides a one-stop solution to store summer fruits smartly, reduce waste, and savour the goodness longer.
In major parts of India, temperature goes beyond 40°C, causing faster fruit spoilage. Improper storage makes fruits overripe, lose nutrients, and attract fruit flies or harmful fungus. With rising grocery costs, every spoiled fruit means money down the drain.
Keep Them Dry: Moisture speeds up the rate of spoilage. Wipe fruits clean with a dry cloth after washing.
Use Paper Bags or Cloth Pouches: Plastic traps humidity. Thus, use breathable bags for storage.
Don't Overcrowd: Air circulation is the key in maintaining fruits healthy. Stack fruits loosely in baskets or trays.
Room vs Fridge: Not all fruits love the fridge. Know what belongs where!
Raw mangoes should always be stored in a cool and dark place until they ripen.
Once ripe, refrigerate them in a single layer, do not pile them.
If mangoes are cut, wrap in cling film or keep in airtight containers.
Whole watermelons can stay at room temperature for up to 4-5 days.
Once cut, wrap tightly and refrigerate. Don't forget to store flesh-side down in a container to keep it juicy.
Pro Tip: Add a few lemon wedges in the storage container to reduce odour.
Lychees perish very fast in the heat. Keep unpeeled ones in the vegetable drawer of the fridge wrapped in a paper towel. Don't forget to consume them within 2–3 days.
Bonus Tip: To extend life, store peeled lychees in sugar syrup.
Store unripe papayas on the kitchen counter. Keep the ripe ones into the fridge. If cut, use airtight containers to avoid odour spread.
Hang bananas on a hook in a cool and shaded spot. Never refrigerate them if they are green. To delay ripening, wrap the stem with foil or plastic wrap.
Extra Tip: Never store bananas near other fruits—they release ethylene gas which speeds up ripening of other fruits!
Lemon Juice Spray: A spritz on cut fruits slows oxidation.
Apple Cider Vinegar Wash: Mix vinegar and water (1:3) to rinse fruits. This method kills bacteria as well as extends shelf life.
Banana Leaf Wrap: This traditional hack is still used in the Southern part of India, especially for storing cut fruits without smell.
Eco-Friendly Storage Options for Indian Homes
Clay Pots: Used in rural India to keep fruits cool naturally.
Mesh Fruit Covers: Prevent flies and allow sufficient airflow.
Steel Storage Boxes: Odour-free, long-lasting and without harmful consequences.
Let your kitchen reflect not just good taste but also smart choices and less waste.
