Want to make your fruit purchases go further and reduce waste?
Choose fruits that naturally last for weeks or even months. Here are some of the top long-lasting fruits according to food experts.
Apples
With their firm texture and waxy skin, apples are natural champions when it comes to shelf life.
Their low ethylene gas emission slows down ripening, and when refrigerated, they can stay fresh for months without losing flavor or crunch.
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Citrus fruits
Thick-skinned fruits like oranges, grapefruits, and clementines are packed with natural oils that act as preservatives.
These oils prevent mold and spoilage, keeping citrus fruits edible for up to eight weeks when stored in a cool, dry place.
Grapes
Grapes are covered with a delicate, white waxy layer called "bloom", which helps lock in moisture and shields them from decay.
This protective layer, combined with cool storage, can keep grapes fresh for several weeks.
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Cranberries
Unlike most berries, cranberries are built to last. Their high acidity acts as a natural preservative, and their tough skin keeps the juice inside.
When kept in an airtight container in the fridge, they can last up to two weeks.
Blueberries
Thanks to their thick skin and low respiration rate, blueberries are among the most durable berries.
They don’t spoil as fast as others and can remain good for up to two weeks when stored in a sealed plastic container in the fridge.
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Pomegranates
Pomegranates boast a thick, leathery outer shell and contain relatively little moisture compared to other fruits.
This combo allows them to stay fresh for as long as two months when refrigerated properly.
Passion fruits
Passion fruits might not be a staple in every fridge, but their long shelf life makes them worth adding to your list.
Their firm, thick rind and acidic pulp help them last up to five weeks in the refrigerator.
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Limes
Tart and tough, limes are not just flavorful but also resilient. At room temperature, they’re good for about a week.
But in the fridge, they can stay fresh for up to three weeks - just make sure to wrap any cut pieces to retain moisture.
Cantaloupe
Whole cantaloupes have a surprisingly good lifespan. If you keep one in the fridge, it can remain tasty for around two weeks.
Left at room temperature, it still holds up for about a week, especially if it’s not fully ripe when purchased.
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Kiwis
Kiwis are long-haul players in the fruit world. A firm, unripe kiwi can last as long as a month in the fridge, while a ripe one will stay good for about ten days.
By choosing kiwis at different stages of ripeness, you can enjoy them gradually over time.
This article is based on information from Real Simple and Purewow.