How to Keep Fruit Fresh on the Kitchen Counter

Most fruit must be kept in the refrigerator to be stored long-term. When fruit ripens, it produces a gas called ethylene, which makes the fruit sweeter by producing enzymes. But when a fruit ripens too much, it grows mold and bacteria. Because cooling the atmosphere slows the release of ethylene, it is difficult to keep fruit fresh on a regular kitchen counter. Nevertheless, there are few things you can do to slightly lengthen the shelf-life of your fruit.

Instructions

- 1
  Keep your fruit out of direct sunlight. Too much sunlight can speed the release of ethylene. Put your fruit in a large uncovered bowl in the darkest corner of your counter.
- 2
  Put your fruit inside a perforated bag. The bag will ensure that the fruit does is not exposed to as much oxygen, while the perforations will allow moisture to be released rather than reabsorbed.
- 3
  Keep the temperature and humidity as low as possible in your kitchen. You can't replicate the conditions of your refrigerator, but a cool environment with drier air will help preserve your fruit a little longer.
- 4
  Store apples separately from other fruits. Apples release ethylene more quickly and can cause other fruits to ripen sooner than they normally would, if kept in close proximity.

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