What Fruit Has The Longest Shelf Life?

If you need a pick-me-up, fruits are easy to grab and snack on right away. They are also great for when you have a sweet tooth but want to avoid breaking your diet. You can get your sugar fix without worrying about the calories.

What fruit has the longest shelf life? The majority of fruits do not last for more than a week. After a few days, they start to lose their flavor and plumpness. With proper storage, however, you can prolong the shelf life of many different types of fruit.

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I will give some examples of long-lasting fruits that you can buy in the market today through this short read. Besides this, I will also talk about their health and beauty benefits. The article will discuss how you can prolong the shelf life of these fruits as well.

Fruits That Last Long

Depending on the storage method, fruits can have extended shelf lives. Some can still be fresh even one month after purchase. Under the right conditions, their antioxidants and nutritional benefits will not be affected either.

Take a look at this list of fruits that have a very long shelf life:

Citrus Fruits

The citrus fruit category consists of many variations. These include lemons, limes, oranges, tangerines, grapefruits, pomelo, and many more. They also have several sub-classifications like Yuzu lemons and Kaffir limes, for example.

Citrus fruits are incredibly rich in vitamin C and fiber that strengthen the immune system. They have numerous health benefits as well as beauty benefits. Our skin loves vitamin C! It is a good thing citrus fruits last for three to four weeks when refrigerated.

These fruits can be used as additional flavorings for savory dishes or converted into desserts. Citrus fruits make for refreshing and cooling beverages too. They are perfect for the summertime.

Pomegranates

Pomegranates are a bit of an acquired taste. Not everybody is a fan of their bittersweet taste. But, they do have a shelf life of two months, which is pretty long. If you freeze your pomegranates, you can still eat them after three months.

As they are filled with fiber, protein, vitamin C, potassium, and vitamin K, pomegranates are incredibly healthy. They also lower blood cholesterol, help with arthritis, and there is a possibility they help fight breast cancer.

Other wellness benefits include improved memory and better exercise performance.

Apples

Apples are not only affordable and accessible but long-lasting as well. You may find them at almost any store, and they are super cheap! They can stay in your pantry for as long as two months after your grocery trip.

This fruit has so many nutritional benefits. There is a reason the saying, “An apple a day keeps the doctor away” exists. Apples are loaded with vitamins that you need to keep your body healthy and in shape.

They are phenomenal for weight loss, heart and bone health, lowering cholesterol, and may prevent diabetes.

Aside from the numerous health advantages, apples are delicious and versatile. They taste great on their own or sliced, and you can mix them into other dishes. Some possible foods you can make with apples include pies, turnovers, cobblers, tarts, and strudels.

How To Prolong The Shelf Life Of A Fruit

Naturally, fruits always taste the best when eaten fresh. They can still taste great and add nutrients to your diet if they have been in storage for some time. The key is knowing the shelf life of the fruits you buy and store them in the proper conditions.

Here are only a few things that you can do to prolong the shelf life of fruits:

Categorization

Separate your fruits based on their projected shelf life. If they only last a couple of days, put those fruits together. Then, group the ones that can last for several weeks. It is an essential step because overripe or rotting fruits can affect other fruits nearby. You do not want to speed up the rotting process.

Refrigeration

Storing fruit in the refrigerator can make it last for a few more weeks or months, depending on the fruit. Refrigeration is not always the best option for many fruits.

It can make them soggy, moist, and strip them of their flavors and antioxidants. But, if you wish to prolong their shelf life, this is just something you have to deal with.

Do Not Chop The Fruit

Chopping or cutting fruit will make it spoil more rapidly. The reason is that a larger surface area will be exposed to the air and may oxidize. It will also dry the fruits out. Try to keep fruit unchopped and peeled as long as possible.

If you cannot use it all in one sitting, refrigeration will help preserve its texture and flavor a bit. Place the cut fruit in a container or cover it with plastic before placing it in the fridge.

Avoid Washing The Fruit

Try not to wash fruits until you need them. The moisture from the water will invite bacteria, and the fruit may spoil before you get to even eat it.

If you are keen in terms of hygiene, keep your kitchen area clean without washing fruit immediately. Store different fruits in separate containers to keep them away from other food in your refrigerator. You could also have a designated area in your kitchen solely for fruit.

Separate Fruits And Vegetables

Whatever you do, avoid keeping fruits and vegetables close together. As they ripen, they release ethylene gas. Some are more sensitive to this gas and could ripen rapidly, especially if they are all together in one space.

Freeze Your Fruit

Freezing fruit is a surefire way of maxing out the shelf life. Just as a warning, this may alter the taste and texture. But if it makes your fruit last longer, that might be a small trade-off.

Conclusion

When stored at room temperature, many fruits will ripen much faster. Even fruits with long shelf lives could spoil easily if they are exposed to heat or other elements. To extend their shelf life, try to follow the tips in this article.