5 Fruits And Vegetables You Should Never Store Together

Storing food, the right way is something that we often neglect. Whether its storing food uncovered, leaving leftovers out for too long or using the wrong food storage containers, these things can have a significant impact on the quality and shelf life of food. It can also have a drastic impact on its nutritional value. And this is true for storing fruits and vegetables as well. While fruits and vegetables are certainly fresh, they can continue to ripen even after they have been harvested. Which is why it is important to take the necessary steps to store them the correct way and prevent any kind of spoilage. If we pay attention to the way we store our fruits and vegetables, we can also minimise the risk of harmful foodborne illnesses. Considering this, here we have curated a list of some fruits and vegetables that you should never store together in order to extend their shelf life.

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What fruits and vegetables should not be stored together?

Several studies suggest that fruits and vegetables that produce a high amount of ethylene gases should never be stored together. Ethylene gas can speed up the ripening process and lead to spoilage.

Here're 5 Fruits And Vegetables You Should Never Store Together:

1. Onions And Potatoes

Onions and potatoes are commonly stored together in Indian kitchens. However, we should avoid doing so as the ethylene gas produced by onions can cause potatoes to sprout and spoil. On the other hand, the moisture present in potatoes can cause onions to become mouldy. To keep them fresh for as long as possible, it's best to store them separately.

2. Tomatoes And Cucumbers

Tomatoes and cucumbers should never be stored together. By doing so, the ripening process of both these vegetables can significantly get effected. Cucumbers have a high moisture content and can cause tomatoes to spoil more quickly. It's best to store tomatoes at room temperature and cucumbers in the fridge.

3. Apples And Carrots

Just like onions, apples too release ethylene gas. This can cause carrots to ripen and spoil faster. It can also result in the carrots becoming limp and losing their crisp texture. You can store both of them in a refrigerator, but make sure to keep them in a separate drawer or container.

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4. Peaches And Bananas

Peaches should never be stored with bananas as the ethylene emitted by bananas will cause the peaches to ripen faster than usual. It is best to keep them in separate food containers to minimise the exposure of the peaches to the ethylene gas.

5. Blueberries And Strawberries

Blueberries are more delicate than strawberries and can be easily bruised or crushed. When stored together, the weight of the strawberries can crush the blueberries, causing them to spoil more quickly. Ethylene gas released by strawberries can result in the blueberries becoming soft, mushy, or mouldy.

So, the next time you're confused about storing your fruits and vegetables, keep these tips in mind!