Ultimate Fruit Storage Guide: How Long Apples, Bananas & More Last to Minimize Waste

As seasoned home cooks who prioritize seasonal fruits, we know the frustration of rapid ripening and wasted produce. Not only does it squander nutrition and flavor, but it also wastes money. Our practical guide, based on years of kitchen testing, reveals optimal storage times for peak quality.

Follow this expert chart:

Download the full PDF guide here for easy reference.

Apples

Room temperature: 3 weeks

Refrigerator: 4 to 6 weeks

Freezer: not recommended

Bananas

Room temperature: until ripe

Refrigerator: 3 weeks

Freezer: 2 to 3 months

Cherries

Room temperature: not recommended

Refrigerator: 7 days

Freezer: 12 months

Blueberries

Room temperature: not recommended

Refrigerator: 3 weeks

Freezer: 2 to 3 months

Grapes

Room temperature: not recommended

Refrigerator: 1 week

Freezer: 1 month

Oranges

Room temperature: 10 days

Refrigerator: 3 weeks

Freezer: not recommended

Peaches and Plums

Room temperature: until ripe

Refrigerator: 3 to 5 days

Freezer: 2 months

Pears

Room temperature: until ripe

Refrigerator: 3 to 5 days

Freezer: 2 months

Pro Tips for Storing Fruit in the Fridge

• Don't wash fruit before storing—moisture speeds ripening.
• Use the crisper drawer; it's the coolest, most humid spot ideal for produce.
• Leave most fruits unwrapped to allow airflow.
• Apples accelerate ripening in others—store them separately.
• Freeze extras for up to a year. Check our guide to 27 freezer staples.

Your Turn

Try these proven methods and share your results in the comments. We'd love to hear how they help reduce your waste!