Nothing is more frustrating than buying fresh fruits and vegetables—only to watch them wilt, spoil, or go moldy a few days later. Proper produce storage not only reduces food waste but also saves money by keeping your groceries fresher for longer.

Here’s a breakdown of the best ways to store common fruits and vegetables, along with tips on what to refrigerate, what to keep at room temperature, and how to extend shelf life naturally.

Store These in the Fridge (But with a Plan)

Refrigeration slows down spoilage for many types of produce, but not everything belongs in the crisper drawer.

• Leafy Greens: Wrap in a paper towel and store in a sealed container or produce bag to absorb moisture. This works well for spinach, kale, and romaine.
  
• Berries: Wash only before eating. Keep in their original container or a breathable container lined with a paper towel.
  
• Broccoli & Cauliflower: Store in a loosely sealed bag or open container to allow air circulation while maintaining humidity.
  
• Carrots: Remove tops if attached. Store in a sealed bag with a bit of water to keep them crisp.
  
• Apples: Keep in the crisper drawer away from vegetables—apples emit ethylene gas, which can cause other produce to spoil faster.

Keep These at Room Temperature

Not all fruits and vegetables benefit from cold storage. Some lose flavor or texture when refrigerated too early.

• Tomatoes: Store stem-side down at room temperature. Refrigerating tomatoes dulls their flavor and makes them mealy.
  
• Onions and Garlic: Keep in a cool, dry place with good ventilation. Do not store near potatoes, which can make them sprout faster.
  
• Bananas: Keep at room temperature until ripe, then refrigerate to slow further ripening (the peel may darken, but the fruit stays firm).
  
• Avocados: Ripen on the counter. Once soft, transfer to the fridge to extend usability.
  
• Potatoes: Store in a paper bag or basket in a dark, cool place like a pantry. Avoid storing in plastic bags.
  

Use Tools to Extend Freshness

Produce-saving tools can be worth the investment. Options include:

• Produce storage containers with built-in ventilation
  
• Silicone food huggers for halved fruits and veggies
  
• Reusable produce bags with breathability for items like mushrooms or herbs
  
• Ethylene gas absorbers like Bluapple to extend the freshness of ethylene-sensitive produce
  

Bonus Tips

• Don’t wash before storing: Moisture accelerates decay. Only wash produce right before use unless you’re prepping for meals.
  
• Group produce by sensitivity: Keep ethylene-producing fruits (like apples, bananas, and avocados) separate from ethylene-sensitive items (like leafy greens and cucumbers).
  
• Revive limp greens: Soak slightly wilted greens in ice water for 10–15 minutes to bring back their crispness.
  
• Freeze what you can’t use: Dice and freeze onions, bell peppers, or spinach before they go bad. Frozen produce is perfect for cooked dishes like soups and stir-fries.
  

Cut Waste and Save Money

Learning how to store produce properly can drastically reduce food waste. Combine these habits with cashback savings when purchasing your groceries. For example, you can earn cashback with a Whole Foods gift card or get cashback at Walmart when you purchase your fresh produce using Fluz. The better your storage, the longer your rewards stretch.

Final Thoughts

Smart storage extends the life of your groceries, saves you money, and helps reduce waste. With just a few habit changes and the right tools, your fresh produce can last days—or even weeks—longer. Treat your ingredients well, and they’ll return the favor in flavor and longevity.