Mistake 3 — Storing Incompatible Fruits and Vegetables Together
Not all produce coexists well. Some fruits emit more ethylene gas as they ripen, accelerating the ripening and spoilage of nearby items. Common ethylene producers include apples, bananas, avocados, pears, and tomatoes. In contrast, foods like lettuce, broccoli, cucumbers, carrots, and leafy herbs are ethylene-sensitive. Storing them side by side without thought can quietly shorten the life of one another.