Here’s a list of 20 popular fruits and vegetables in Nigeria along with the best ways to store them:
Fruits:
Bananas: Store bananas at room temperature until ripe, then refrigerate to extend shelf life.
Oranges: Keep oranges at room temperature or in the refrigerator for longer storage, away from direct sunlight.
Pineapples: Store pineapples at room temperature if consuming soon, or refrigerate for longer storage. Keep them in a perforated plastic bag to prevent moisture loss.
Mangoes: Keep mangoes at room temperature until ripe, then refrigerate to slow down ripening. They can also be frozen for later use.
Pawpaw (Papaya): Store ripe papayas in the refrigerator, but keep unripe ones at room temperature to ripen. Once ripe, consume within a few days.
Watermelon: Store watermelon at room temperature if whole, or refrigerate cut portions in an airtight container.
Apples: Store apples in the refrigerator to prolong freshness, but keep them away from other fruits as they release ethylene gas, which can accelerate ripening.
Guavas: Keep guavas at room temperature until ripe, then refrigerate for longer storage. Consume within a few days after ripening.
Pears: Store unripe pears at room temperature to ripen, then transfer them to the refrigerator. They can also be stored in a paper bag to speed up ripening.
Papayas: Keep ripe papayas in the refrigerator, but consume them within a few days to prevent overripening.
Vegetables:
Tomatoes: Store tomatoes at room temperature, away from direct sunlight. Refrigeration can affect their flavor and texture.
Peppers (Bell Peppers, Scotch Bonnet): Store peppers in the crisper drawer of the refrigerator in a perforated plastic bag to maintain freshness.
Onions: Store onions in a cool, dry, and well-ventilated place away from sunlight. Avoid storing them with potatoes as they can cause each other to spoil faster.
Spinach: Keep spinach in the refrigerator, preferably in a plastic bag with a paper towel to absorb excess moisture and maintain crispness.
Cabbage: Store cabbage in the refrigerator, preferably in a plastic bag to retain moisture.
Carrots: Store carrots in the refrigerator, either wrapped in a paper towel or in a perforated plastic bag to maintain moisture.
Okra: Keep okra dry and store it in the refrigerator in a paper bag or wrapped in a paper towel to prevent moisture buildup, which can lead to spoilage.
Eggplant: Store eggplants in the crisper drawer of the refrigerator, preferably wrapped in a paper towel to absorb excess moisture.
Cucumbers: Store cucumbers in the refrigerator, preferably in the crisper drawer, and keep them away from ethylene-producing fruits to prevent premature ripening.
Sweet Potatoes: Store sweet potatoes in a cool, dark, and well-ventilated place, such as a pantry or cupboard, away from moisture and sunlight. Avoid storing them in the refrigerator, as it can alter their taste and texture.
