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Storage & Ripening

How to Store Fruit: The Complete Fridge vs Counter Guide

Which fruits belong in the fridge, which on the counter, and how to keep produce fresh for longer.

By Claire Moreau, Registered Dietitian & Senior Food Researcher · Updated September 20, 2026 · 9 min read · Fact-checked

How to Store Fruit: The Complete Fridge vs Counter Guide

Storing fruit correctly can extend its life by days or even weeks — and it is one of the easiest ways to cut household food waste. The key is knowing which fruits keep ripening after harvest.

Climacteric vs non-climacteric fruit

Climacteric fruits — bananas, avocados, peaches, pears, mangoes, tomatoes and kiwis — keep ripening after picking and release ethylene gas. Non-climacteric fruits — berries, citrus, grapes, cherries and pineapple — do not meaningfully ripen once harvested.

Store on the counter

Keep these at room temperature until ripe:

  • Bananas
  • Avocados
  • Unripe peaches, plums, nectarines and apricots
  • Mangoes and papayas
  • Whole melons

Store in the fridge

Refrigerate these for best shelf life:

  • Berries — unwashed, in a breathable container
  • Grapes and cherries
  • Apples (they last weeks longer chilled)
  • Ripe stone fruit and pears
  • Cut fruit of any kind, covered

Keep ethylene producers apart

Apples, bananas and ripe pears release a lot of ethylene, which speeds up spoilage in sensitive produce like leafy greens, berries and cucumbers. Store them in separate drawers or bowls.

Wash at the right time

Moisture encourages mold. Wash berries and grapes just before eating, not when you bring them home.

Frequently asked questions

Should bananas go in the fridge?

Once ripe, yes. The peel will darken, but the flesh stays firm for several extra days.

How long do berries last?

Typically three to seven days refrigerated, depending on type and freshness at purchase.

This article is for general information only and isn't a substitute for professional medical advice. See our disclaimer.

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