Ever hesitated to buy wholesale fruits in Singapore because you were worried they wouldn’t stay fresh? We get it—the lure of delicious, nutritious fruits at a great price is strong, but the fear of spoilage can be a real buzzkill.
Fear not! We’ve got some simple storage tips that will let you enjoy all the benefits of buying in bulk without sacrificing freshness. Ready to keep your fruits looking and tasting great for longer?
Understanding Freshness: The Science Behind Ripeness and Spoilage
Fruits continue to ripen even after they’re harvested. This process releases ethylene gas, changing the fruit’s colour, texture, and flavour. While a bit of ripening is good, too much can turn your lovely fruits into a mushy mess. Watch out for signs like discolouration, softening, or mould.
Preparing for Storage: Get Your Fruits Ready
Before storing your fruits away, give them a quick check. Discard any bruised, damaged, or overly ripe fruits. These can accelerate the spoilage of surrounding fruits. Depending on the type of fruit, give them a quick rinse under clean running water.
Storage Strategies by Fruit Type
Room Temperature Fruits (Bananas, Mangoes, Melons and Pineapples)
Ideal Storage
Look for a cool, well-ventilated area away from direct sunlight. This environment slows down the ripening process.
Refrigerator Fruits (Berries, Grapes, Stone Fruits and Citrus Fruits)
Ideal Storage
The crisper drawer in your fridge is the perfect place for these fruits. This drawer is designed to maintain humidity, which helps prevent fruits from drying out and wilting.
Fruit-Specific Storage Tips
Berries
These delicate fruits are best stored in the fridge. Wash them only before eating, as wet berries are more prone to spoilage. To extend their shelf life, line a container with a paper towel to absorb excess moisture that can lead to mould growth.
Apples
Store apples separately as they emit ethylene gas, which speeds up the ripening of other fruits and vegetables.
Bananas
Once bananas reach your desired level of ripeness, separate them from other fruits. You can wrap the stem in plastic to slow down ethylene production and extend its shelf life.
Tips to Prolong the Freshness of Your Fruits
1. Ethylene Gas Management
Some fruits like bananas, avocados, and melons emit ethylene gas. If you have a mix of fruits with different ripening times in your haul, store these fruits separately to prevent them from accelerating the ripening of other fruits.
2. Minimise Bruising
Be gentle when handling your fruits! Bruises can become entry points for bacteria and spoilage.
3. First In, First Out (FIFO)
This age-old principle applies perfectly to fruits. To avoid waste, eat the ripen fruits in your stock first. Rotate your fruit basket or crisper drawer regularly to ensure everything gets consumed before it spoils.
By following these storage guidelines, you can significantly extend the shelf life of your wholesale fruits. A little planning goes a long way in maximising the enjoyment and cost-effectiveness of your bulk fruit purchases!
Unlock the Full Potential of Wholesale Fruits with Insofresh
Armed with these tips, you’re all set to dive into the world of wholesale fruits! With Insofresh, your go-to for quality wholesale fruits, you can enjoy fresh, delicious fruits anytime without worry. Stock up your fruits with Insofresh and experience the joy and savings of buying in bulk, whilst staying confident that you can keep everything fresh. Remember, smart storage is your best friend in making the most of your wholesale fruit purchases!