British shoppers could be throwing away perfectly good fruit due to simple storage mistakes, according to food preservation experts. With food prices remaining high and household budgets stretched, learning how to properly store supermarket fruit could save families significant money while reducing food waste.
The Freshness Champions: Which Fruits Last Longest?
Not all fruits are created equal when it comes to shelf life. Apples emerge as the clear winners, capable of lasting several weeks when stored correctly. "Apples are remarkably resilient," explains food waste campaigner Sarah Johnson. "Their natural protective coating and firm texture mean they can outlast most other fruits by weeks."
Close behind are citrus fruits like oranges and lemons, which can maintain their quality for up to two weeks. Their thick skins act as natural barriers against spoilage, making them excellent choices for households that don't consume fruit quickly.
The Delicate Divas: Fruits That Need Extra Care
At the other end of the spectrum, berries present the biggest challenge for shoppers. Raspberries and strawberries are particularly perishable, often showing signs of mould within just 2-3 days of purchase. "Berries are the divas of the fruit world," Johnson notes. "They demand perfect conditions and even then, their prime is fleeting."
Other fruits requiring prompt consumption include bananas, which continue to ripen rapidly after purchase, and stone fruits like peaches and nectarines that bruise easily and spoil quickly.
Revolutionary Storage Hacks Every Shopper Should Know
The Paper Towel Trick: Placing a dry paper towel in berry containers can absorb excess moisture and significantly extend their life. "Moisture is the enemy of freshness when it comes to berries," Johnson emphasises. "This simple trick can add days to their edible life."
Separation Strategy: Keeping different fruits apart in your fridge prevents ethylene gas from accelerating ripening. "Bananas are particularly prolific ethylene producers," Johnson warns. "Keeping them isolated can protect your other fruits."
The Stem Secret: Leaving stems on fruits like strawberries and apples helps preserve their freshness by reducing moisture loss and preventing bacteria entry points.
Shopping Smart: The Key to Reducing Waste
Experts recommend purchasing fruits with varying shelf lives to ensure you always have something fresh available. "Mix longer-lasting apples and oranges with a smaller quantity of berries you plan to eat immediately," suggests Johnson. "This approach prevents the weekend berry binge turning into midweek mouldy disappointment."
With UK households discarding approximately £1.3 billion worth of fresh fruit annually, these simple storage techniques could make a substantial difference to both family budgets and environmental impact.
