Some fruits and vegetables should not be stored together. Certain items release ethylene gas - a natural compund that speeds up ripening. Others are sensitive to it and spoil faster when nearby. This guide helps you figure out what to store together, what to keep apart and how to make the most of small kitchen spaces.
Ethylene producers | Ethylene-sensitive items |
---|---|
Apples | Leafy greens |
Bananas | Broccoli |
Avocados | Carrots |
Tomatoes | Cucumbers |
Pears | Potatoes |
Peaches | Berries |
Nectarines | Peppers |
Plums | Squash |
Melons | Zucchini |
Onions |
Keep ethylene-sensitive items away from ethylene produsers when possible.
Conclution
Not all fruits and vegetables get along when stored together—some give off natural gases that can make others ripen (or spoil) faster. For the best results, try to keep sensitive produce apart from ethylene produsers. But don't stress if space is tight! Storing items in containers, bags, or separate compartments can help reduce their impact on each other—even if they share a shelf. Do what works best for your kitchen, and use this guide as a helpful starting point, not a strict rulebook.