Make fresh berries ‘last much longer’ with ‘effective’ fridge storage tip

Food poisoning: Expert gives advice on safe food storage

Magnet experts warn against popular “fruit bathing” trends which involve cleaning fruit before eating it.

According to the experts, this actually speeds up the growth of microorganisms and “makes it go off a lot faster”.

Amanda Douglas, head of product sustainability at Magnet, commented: “It’s relatively unknown that you shouldn’t wash your fruit before refrigerating it.

“It only increases the chance of premature spoilage and leads to unnecessary food wastage.

“Storing freshly washed fruit in the fridge introduces extra moisture which speeds up fruit decay and deterioration. 

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“It essentially creates an ideal environment for bacteria to thrive in, which certainly won’t extend the fruit’s shelf life and is likely to result in you having to bin it.

“The impulse to clean fruit is good, but it’s best to do it just before eating or cooking with them. This is effective in prolonging the lifespan of your fruit whilst still ensuring it is safe for consumption.”

If you must wash your fruit before putting it in the fridge, just be sure to dry them thoroughly before doing so.

Amanda has shared top tips on how to make strawberries, blueberries and grapes “last must longer”.

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1. Store in original packaging

Fruit packaging for the likes of berries and grapes are designed with holes in the bottom.

These holes allow excess moisture to drain away from the fruit and allow ventilation which prevents mould growth.

2. Shop from the back of the shelf

The expert explained: “When it comes to purchasing fruit, the natural inclination is to grab the first one you spot at the supermarket. 

“However, it’s a wise choice to select items from the back of the shelf instead as supermarkets typically arrange produce with a longer sell-by date towards the rear of the display. 

“This is a simple trick that will ensure you purchase produce that will last longer.’’

3. Choose the correct spot in your fridge

Fresh fruits such as berries are best kept in a lower drawer in the fridge.

This is because it is one of the coldest areas within the appliance, which is ideal for preserving the freshness of fruit.

Amanda noted: “Remember that not all fruits need refrigeration. Some fruits such as bananas, tomatoes and melons should be stored at room temperature until they ripen and can then be refrigerated to extend freshness. 

“Always check the specific storage recommendations for each type of fruit to ensure they stay fresh and flavourful for as long as possible.”

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