Storage Guide - Summerfruit SA | Summer Stonefruit of South Australia

Summer Stonefruit Storage Guide

Peaches, Nectarines, Plums and Apricots

Summer Stonefruit sold in supermarkets and fruit shops is in the process of ripening. To continue this process at home (to your desired ripeness) please follow the storage guide below. This guide will help get the best flavour, juiciness and aroma out of every piece.

Ripening Peaches and Nectarines

Store peaches and nectarines at room temperature until ripe — this usually takes 2 to 3 days. A ripe fruit will yield a bit when pressed gently. To speed up the ripening process, place nectarines or peaches in a paper bag and store at room temperature, out of direct sunlight. Storing ripe stone fruit in the crisper drawer will prolong its eating life — it should keep for up to a week when refrigerated.

Ripening Apricots

Apricots' texture, colour, and juiciness improve as the fruit matures. Allow apricots to ripen at room temperature for 2 to 5 days; when the fruit is soft, it is ready to eat. Because apricots are quite fragile and will spoil quickly if bruised, they should be handled carefully. After apricots have ripened, pack loosely in a plastic bag, and they will keep for up to 5 days in the refrigerator.

Ripening Plums

Store plums at room temperature to ripen, check frequently because they are extremely perishable. A ripe fruit will yield when pressed gently. To speed up the ripening process, place plums in a paper bag and store at room temperature, away from direct sunlight. Storing ripe plums in a plastic bag in the crisper drawer will prolong their eating life — they should keep for 3 to 5 days.

Freezing Summer Stonefruit

Stone fruit takes well to freezing. First, peel the fruit: drop into boiling water for 30 seconds, plunge into cool water, then remove the skins. Slice open and remove the pits, which can impart bitterness to the fruit during freezing. Place in an airtight container and they will last for up to a year. Rolling stone fruit in sugar before freezing helps to preserve the shape.

Summerfruit SA

Formally South Australian Fresh Fruit Growers Association – is pleased to welcome you to our website. Our endeavour is to encourage everyone to eat more delicious summer stonefruit by providing you with as much information as possible on how to source, buy, store and cook tasty summer stonefruits grown in the Riverland.