3 Summer Fruits to Keep Out of the Fridge
Most people know that summer fruits and vegetables like bananas, potatoes, and onions should not be stored in the fridge. But things start to get a little confusing with items like tomatoes, melons, and stone fruits. As odd as it may sound, these three fruits should not be stored in the refrigerator.
The best storage spot for these summer fruits is a cool dark cabinet. If you like them cold, chill 30-60 minutes before eating.
A Better Way To Store 3 Summer Fruits
1. Uncut Melon
WHAT?! Yes, that blew my mind when I found out as well. Unlike the other fruits on our list, melons will not continue to ripen if left in a warm place, but the difference is in the nutrients. A study has shown that a whole watermelon stored on the counter will have significantly more lycopene than if stored in the refrigerator.
Once you cut it, though, it should be kept in the fridge and eaten within a few days.
Melon Recipes:
- Chicken Watermelon Strawberry Salad
- Cucumber Watermelon Juice
- Watermelon Gazpacho
- Melon Jam with Tarragon
2. Tomatoes
Tomatoes are one of the fruits that will continue to ripen if left on the counter. In the refrigerator, they lose flavor and texture rapidly. Cherry tomatoes hold up okay in the cold, but keep the big ones out of the fridge.
Tomato Recipes:
- Traditional Gazpacho
- Tomato Herb Skillet Bread
- Avocado Arugula Cucumber Tomato Salad
- Carrot Tomato Celery Juice
3. Stone Fruits
Peaches, apricots, and nectarines are also cold sensitive. These should be stored on the counter out of sunlight until they are ripe, and then they can be stored in the fridge. But, after a day or two, they are going to get mushy.
Stone Fruit Recipes:
No matter how you store them, summer fruits do not store fresh for more than a few days. Once they are ripe, enjoy them as is or in one of the suggested recipes.
Always use organic fruits and vegetables in your recipes.
Do you live in one of these Southern California Cities? Aguanga, Fallbrook, Hemet, Homeland, Lake Elsinore, Menifee, Murrieta, Temecula, Wildomar, or Winchester. If you do, you can use the local organic fruits and vegetables in our harvest deliveries for these recipes.
Resources and Recipes
