Guide for Storing Fresh Fruit

Have you ever bought a bunch of bananas or bag of oranges only to have it get moldy or spoil before you have a chance to enjoy it? What a pain right? That’s why this quick and simple guide for storing fresh fruit is here to save you time, money, and prevent these annoying headaches.

1. Do not store fruits and veggies together. Fruits can produce high levels of ethylene, which is known as a ripening agent, and can quickly ripen and spoil vegetables stored alongside them.
2. Use the fruit and veggie drawers in the fridge. Most of us grew up not realizing the importance of those two drawers but there really is a difference. Storing fruit in the designated fruit drawer can actually make it last longer.
3. Recognize which fruits are fridge storable and non-fridge storable. Most fruits last longer when refrigerated, however, some may deteriorate more quickly. More about this later.
4. Tips for berries: Always remove moldy berries as they can quickly infect those around them. Washing berries with water will drastically shorten their lifespan, so only wash immediately before use. If you wash berries with vinegar, it can inhibit the growth of mold and may increase their lifespan.
5. Some fruits ripen faster in paper bags, including apricots, avocados, cantaloupes, mangos, nectarines, peaches, tomatoes, and plums. Once ripened, store them in the fridge (with the exception of tomatoes) to slow the ripening process.
6. Some fruits shouldn't be refrigerated such as bananas and tomatoes. Simple enough, right? Ripe bananas can be stored in the freezer for much longer, just be sure to peel them first.
7. Fruits best kept in the fridge include:

Why is Storing Fresh Fruit Important?

Fresh fruit and vegetables are important for a healthy adrenal fatigue diet. Therefore, storing fresh fruit and vegetables correctly is equally important. The main reason for this is that fruits remain fresh for longer. Storing fresh fruit and vegetables can also include freezing or canning.
Although the canning process may destroy some of the minerals and nutrients contained in fruits and veggies, freezing does not pose the same risk. During the freezing process, most of the nutrients are frozen into your food, which making freezing a great option when it comes to storing fresh fruit.

Storing fresh fruit and vegetables is of special importance for those with Adrenal Fatigue, since a correct diet is essential for managing the condition. By correctly storing produce, you are sure to have the foods you need available so your body can get the essential vitamins and minerals it needs.

Fruits of benefit to Adrenal Fatigue sufferers include cherries, pears, plums, apples, papaya, kiwi, and mango. However, people in the earlier stages of Adrenal Fatigue recovery may consider forgoing or drastically reducing their fruit intake. Doing so may help you feel better quicker.

Fruits to Avoid When Suffering From Adrenal Fatigue

People suffering from Adrenal Fatigue should avoid bananas, oranges, dates, raisins, figs, and grapefruit. These fruits are high in potassium and could cause a sodium-potassium imbalance, potentially leading to negative consequences for your general health and wellbeing. Also, keep in mind that certain fruits are high in fructose and may cause blood sugar spikes resulting in a crashes later on. As your condition improves, however, you may consider introducing small portions of fruit into your diet.

Consider Following the Adrenal Fatigue Diet

Your diet is probably your first line of defense—or the first thing you change when it comes to Adrenal Fatigue. This means you must avoid any foods that impact your condition negatively and incorporate those that aid in your recovery.
A few tips when it comes to the Adrenal Fatigue diet:

• Make sure you drink enough water—fruit juices are not the way to go;
• Eat at set times throughout the day to avoid sugar spikes and their accompanying down times;
• Cut down on your sugar consumption, including fruit;
• Eat more lean protein and correct (i.e., healthy) fats;
• Ditch the coffee since caffeine instigates cortisol production;
• Identify foods you may be sensitive to or may have developed an intolerance to—these may compromise gut health;
• Incorporate fermented foods as they contribute to good gut health and a compromised gut one of the symptoms of Adrenal Fatigue;
• Eat nutritious freshly-prepared foods—takeout may contribute to Adrenal Fatigue.

Good health starts with your diet. Many health conditions can start out due to incorrect eating habits. Our busy, modern lifestyle often causes us to compromise on meals, resulting in adrenal, cardiac, and gut issues, to name a few. It’s never too late to change and starting with a healthy diet is most certainly a great start.