When it comes to fruit, I’m a texture girl—it has to be a certain level of ripeness or I want no part of it. Even slightly mushy fruit makes me gag, to the point where I’d eat a green banana over a dark brown one. Unfortunately, in my excitement over delicious and plentiful fruit at the farmer’s market, I often buy more than I can finish before it rots and becomes inedible. But thanks to having a variety of techniques for dealing with overripe fruit at my disposal, I no longer have to toss it out and feel the subsequent wave of wasteful guilt.
How Long Does It Last?
Fruits have varying lengths of shelf life, depending on the season and storage environment. If it’s warmer outside, fruit tends to ripen faster; cold temperatures stretch out the process. For example, if apples are put in the fridge or in a similarly cool place, they can last for over a month. If bananas have a greenish tint when purchased (which means they’re under ripe), they can last about a week before turning black.
Berries don’t last as long as their fruit friends. Even when refrigerated, strawberries last a week at the most; three days is usually more common. Refrigerated blueberries stay fresh for about one to two weeks. Stone fruit like peaches, nectarines, and plums last a few days at room temperature. They soften as they ripen, so one that gives a little under slight pressure from the thumb is at the perfect stage.
Tasty Ideas for Overripe Fruit
Overripe fruit isn’t for everybody, but according to a 2007 study conducted at the University of Innsbruck in Austria, the amount of antioxidants in fruits grows as they get closer to spoiling. So while mushy fruits might not be palatable eaten straight, we’re doing ourselves a disservice by throwing out these nutrient powerhouses. Fortunately, there are lots of ways to use up the fruit without having to gag it down.
1. Freeze it for later.
Freezing fruit stops it from ripening any more and provides a great base for making smoothies or popsicles later. All you need is a bunch of fruit, liquid (juice, water, milk, or non-dairy beverages work), and a blender. If you don’t have a blender, don’t worry—some fruit, like blueberries and grapes, make a delicious treat when eaten frozen. Stick a popsicle stick into a banana, cover it with chocolate, pop it in the freezer, and in a few hours, a refreshing, simple dessert will be waiting for you. Since the fruit can always be thawed for non-icy purposes later, the possibilities are endless.
