Golden rule to follow to keep plums fresh and ripe for days and days
Plums are a favourite fruit for many, but knowing how to store them properly can be the difference between them lasting for a few days and a few weeks - here's how to do it
There's a golden rule for keeping plums fresher for longer, and it's one you should adhere to if you have this fruit in your home. Plums, with their delightfully sweet and soft texture, are a favourite among many Brits. They can be enjoyed solo on a sunny day or incorporated into a variety of desserts and even salads.
To maintain their freshness, there's a unique trick that sets them apart from other fruits typically found in your kitchen. One key aspect of storing supermarket-bought plums is knowing when to leave them out of the fridge and when to refrigerate them to maximise their lifespan.
Plums need to ripen outside of the fridge. Only once they've fully ripened should they be placed inside the fridge.
While plums remain fresh and edible at room temperature, refrigerating them post-ripening is the optimal strategy for prolonging their freshness.
"Once ripe, plums will keep at room temperature for around three to four days," according to BBC Good Food. "Or, store them in the fridge in a perforated bag for up to five days."
You can stash your plums in a bag in your fridge or in the crisper drawer alongside other fruits and vegetables. If you're keen to extend their shelf life even further, freezing plums is a viable option.
However, you'll need to halve them and remove the stone from the middle. They can be stored in the freezer for approximately six months, allowing you to reserve them for future recipes that require plums.
To ripen your plums before refrigerating them, simply place them in a paper bag to hasten the process. You'll know they're ripe when they feel slightly soft to the touch.
Refrigerating plums too soon can hinder their ripening process. If you prefer to let them ripen naturally and aren't pressed for time, you can store them in a bowl instead of a paper bag before refrigerating them.
Ripe plums can be identified by their aromatic scent and slightly softened texture, reports the Express.
Additionally, as the plum ripens, its skin starts to take on a slightly dusty appearance, signalling that it might be ready for refrigeration.
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