Fruit Shelf Life: How Long Does Every Fruit Last?
A complete reference chart showing how long fresh fruits last on the counter, in the refrigerator, and in the freezer. Data sourced from the USDA FoodKeeper database.
Quick Answer
Most fresh fruits last 1-7 days at room temperature, 3-7 days in the fridge, and 8-12 months in the freezer. Citrus and apples last the longest on the counter (1-2 weeks), while berries are the most perishable (1-2 days). Scroll down for the complete chart.
Complete Fruit Shelf Life Chart
| Fruit | Counter / Room Temp | Refrigerator | Freezer |
|---|---|---|---|
| Apples | 1-2 weeks | 1-2 weeks | 8-12 months (sliced or prepared) |
| Avocado | 3-7 days | 1-2 days | 4-6 months (mashed or sliced with lemon juice) |
| Bananas | 2-7 days | 1-2 days (peeled or cut bananas) | 2-3 months (peeled and stored properly) |
| Blueberries | 1-2 days | 3-7 days | 6-12 months |
| Cantaloupe | 2-3 days | 3-5 days | 10-12 months (cut pieces) |
| Cherries | 1-2 days | 3-7 days | 6-12 months |
| Grapefruit | 1 week | 3-5 days | 8-12 months (juice or segments) |
| Grapes | 1-2 days | 3-7 days | 8-12 months |
| Honeydew Melon | 1-2 weeks | 3-5 days | 8-12 months (cut pieces, properly packaged) |
| Kiwi | 3-5 days | 3-5 days | 10-12 months (peeled and sliced) |
| Lemons | 1 week | 1-2 weeks | 3-4 months (zested or juiced) |
| Limes | 1 week | 1 week | 3-4 months (juice or zest only) |
| Mango | 5-7 days | 3-5 days | 10-12 months (peeled and sliced) |
| Oranges | 1-2 weeks | 3-4 days | 8-12 months (peeled or segments) |
| Peaches | 1-2 weeks (ripe) | 3-5 days | 6-12 months (sliced or pureed) |
| Pears | 3-5 days | 3-5 days | 8-12 months (if peeled, sliced, and properly packaged) |
| Pineapple | 1-2 days | 3-5 days | 8-12 months (cut pieces) |
| Plums | 3-5 days | 3-5 days | 10-12 months |
| Raspberries | — | 1-2 days | 8-12 months |
| Strawberries | 1-2 days | 1-3 days | 8-12 months |
| Watermelon | 7-10 days | 3-5 days | 8-12 months (cut pieces, properly stored) |
General Fruit Storage Tips
Ethylene producers vs. ethylene-sensitive fruits: Some fruits (apples, bananas, avocados, peaches) produce ethylene gas, which accelerates ripening in nearby produce. Store ethylene-producing fruits separately from ethylene-sensitive ones (berries, grapes, citrus) to prevent premature spoilage.
Refrigerator crisper drawer: Use the high-humidity crisper drawer for most fruits. This maintains moisture levels that prevent drying out while slowing decay. Exceptions: bananas and whole melons should stay on the counter until cut.
Don't wash until ready to eat: Washing fruit before storage adds moisture that promotes mold growth. Wash fruit immediately before eating or preparing, not when you bring it home from the store.
Freezing extends life dramatically: Almost all fruits can be frozen for 8-12 months. For best results, spread fruit in a single layer on a baking sheet to flash-freeze, then transfer to freezer bags. This prevents clumping and preserves texture.
Cut fruit spoils faster: Once cut, fruit should be refrigerated and consumed within 3-5 days. The exposed flesh oxidizes and provides a surface for bacteria. Store cut fruit in airtight containers.
How to Tell if Fruit Has Gone Bad
- • Visible mold — fuzzy spots of any color (white, green, blue, black)
- • Soft or mushy spots — flesh that gives way easily under gentle pressure
- • Wrinkled or shriveled skin — indicates significant moisture loss
- • Off or fermented smell — sour, alcoholic, or vinegar-like odor
- • Discoloration or browning — beyond normal ripening color changes
- • Liquid leaking — juices pooling around or under the fruit
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does fruit last at room temperature?
Most fruits last 1-7 days at room temperature depending on the type. Berries last 1-2 days, while apples and citrus fruits can last 1-2 weeks. Stone fruits like peaches and plums last 3-5 days on the counter.
How long does fruit last in the fridge?
Refrigerated fruit typically lasts 3-7 days for most varieties. Berries last 3-7 days refrigerated, citrus fruits last 1-2 weeks, and cut fruit should be consumed within 3-5 days. Always store fruit in the crisper drawer for best results.
How long does frozen fruit last?
Most frozen fruit maintains best quality for 8-12 months in the freezer. Properly stored frozen fruit remains safe to eat indefinitely, but quality (texture, flavor) declines after the recommended period.
What fruit lasts the longest?
Apples and citrus fruits (oranges, lemons, limes, grapefruit) last the longest at room temperature — typically 1-2 weeks. Whole watermelons can last 7-10 days on the counter. For maximum longevity, freeze fruit for 8-12 months.
How can you tell if fruit has gone bad?
Common signs include visible mold, soft or mushy spots, wrinkled or shriveled skin, off or fermented smell, discoloration or browning, and liquid leaking from the fruit. When in doubt, discard the fruit.
Sources
Browse Individual Fruit Pages
Apples
1-2 weeks
Avocado
3-7 days
Bananas
2-7 days
Blueberries
1-2 days
Cantaloupe
2-3 days
Cherries
1-2 days
Grapefruit
1 week
Grapes
1-2 days
Honeydew Melon
1-2 weeks
Kiwi
3-5 days
Lemons
1 week
Limes
1 week
Mango
5-7 days
Oranges
1-2 weeks
Peaches
1-2 weeks (ripe)
Pears
3-5 days
Pineapple
1-2 days
Plums
3-5 days
Raspberries
N/A
Strawberries
1-2 days
Watermelon
7-10 days