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13
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Fruit / Vegetable
(Storage
Temperature)
Length of
Storage for
Optimal Use
Special Storage
Instructions
Ethylene
Producer
Ethylene
Sensitive
All fruits/vegetables in this section should be placed at room temperature,
generally dened as 68-72°F
Avocado
(Unripe)
Le Out -
3 to 7 days
Paper Bag -
1 to 2 days
Le Out - Leave at room
temperature and allow them to ripen;
they will be ripe when they are so to
the touch.
Paper Bag - Place in paper bag with a
banana (produces ethylene) and close
it; check on them each day until ripe
Bananas
(Unripe)
Up to 7 days
Leave them on the counter and allow
them to ripen; they will turn from
green to yellow as they do so.
Yes Yes
Cantaloupe
(Unripe)
1 to 2 days
Leave on the counter and allow to
ripen. Additionally, you can place in a
brown paper bag (with a banana) that
is perforated to quicken the
ripening process.
Yes Yes
Cucumber Up to 1 week
Leave at room temperature. They will
last longer and stay fresher.
Yes
Eggplant
(Unripe)
Up to 3 days Leave at room temperature
until ready to use.
Yes
Mangoes
(Unripe)
3 to 4 days
Leave at room temperature. To tell if it
is ripe, squeeze slightly; a ripe mango
will be just a bit so and smell sweet.
Yes
Oranges
(Unripe)
3 to 4 days
Keep unwashed until consuming.
Leave at room temperature. You will
know it’s ripe if it’s rm and has no
so spots.
Peaches
(Unripe)
1 to 2 days
Keep unwashed until consuming.
Leave at room temperature. To tell if it
is ripe, squeeze slightly; a ripe peach
will be just a bit so.
Yes Yes
Pears
(Unripe)
4 to 5 days
Keep unwashed until consuming. Leave
at room temperature. To tell if it is ripe,
squeeze slightly at the stem end; if it
gives, then it’s most likely ready to eat.
Yes Yes
Pineapple
1 to 2 days
Leave at room temperature.
Rinse the pineapple prior to cutting.
Tomatoes
1 to 2 days
Leave uncovered on the counter if
you’re going to enjoy them soon.
Ripe tomatoes are generally red.
Yes Yes
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