How to Wash and Store Fruit to Keep It Fresh Longer

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I love fresh fruit, but it can be expensive and it also can go bad quickly. Here is how to wash and store your fruit to keep it fresh longer!

With the cost of groceries rising more than ever before, and fruit already being an expensive food item, it’s important to wash your fruit and store it properly to make it last a long time! I have found an easy way to keep that fruit looking and tasting good!

Fruit storage containers are my first secret to success. I got mine at Aldi during an aisle of shame moment, but you can find containers that are similar here and here. The containers I have show which fruits needed vented or closed up tight and have a drip tray at the bottom for any excess water. 

The next secret is the actual washing of the fruit. I soak mine in a bath of water, vinegar, and baking soda and then dry them well before placing in their containers for the refrigerator.

The Best Way to Wash and Store Berries and Grapes

1. Soak them in a bath of water, vinegar (I use apple cider but you can use the distilled white), and baking soda. I use a few capfuls of the vinegar (it helps prevent mold) and then sprinkle just a bit of the baking soda (about 1 tsp) on the top. The baking soda helps remove any extra residue off the fruit. (If you are cleaning grapes, then pull them off their vines and get rid of any soft or mushy grapes.)
2. Soak them. I soak them usually 10-15 minutes, rinse them well in a colander, and then dry them.
3. Dry them. Typically, I dry mine on a paper towel. However, you can use reusable towels or clean hand towels (just know it could stain). You can let them air dry or pat them dry. I do a combo of both.

Storing Oranges and Other Citrus Fruits

If you are going to eat your citrus quickly, you can definitely keep it at room temperature. However, to prolong the life of your citrus, store it in the refrigerator.  Store them in your crisper drawer in a mesh bag to promote air flow. If they have came packaged in plastic, remove it from the plastic and place in a mesh bag. 

I hope this post helps you wash and dry your fruit to preserve it a little longer and it saves you a little money and less waste!