How to Store Plums in Refrigerator

Plums are juicy, sweet-tart stone fruits that ripen quickly once picked. Like peaches, they need careful handling to avoid the dreaded mealy texture that comes from improper refrigeration. Here's how to store plums in the refrigerator to keep them at their best.

Should You Refrigerate Plums?

Only refrigerate ripe plums. Unripe plums should be left at room temperature to ripen fully. Refrigerating them too early causes chilling injury — the flesh becomes dry, mealy, and flavorless. Once ripe (slightly soft to the touch, fragrant, and deeply colored), move them to the fridge.

How to Ripen Plums at Room Temperature

1. Place unripe plums stem-side up on the counter away from direct sunlight.
2. To speed ripening, place in a paper bag with an apple or banana.
3. Check daily — plums are ripe when they yield to gentle pressure and smell sweet.

How to Store Ripe Plums in the Refrigerator

1. Place in the crisper drawer — The crisper maintains stable humidity and temperature, ideal for stone fruits.
2. Store in a single layer — Avoid stacking to prevent bruising. Bruised spots deteriorate quickly.
3. Use an airtight container — For extra protection, store plums in a ComSaf Airtight Food Storage Container lined with a paper towel. This absorbs excess moisture and prevents the plums from sitting in any juice that may leak.
4. Keep away from strong-smelling foods — Plums absorb odors easily. Store separately from onions, garlic, and pungent cheeses.

How to Store Cut Plums

1. Toss with lemon juice — Cut plum flesh oxidizes and browns quickly. A squeeze of lemon juice slows this significantly.
2. Seal in an airtight container — Store treated slices in a ComSaf Airtight Container and refrigerate immediately.

How Long Do Plums Last?

• Unripe (room temperature): 2–4 days until ripe
• Ripe (room temperature): 1–3 days
• Ripe (refrigerator, crisper): 3–5 days
• Cut (airtight container, fridge): 3–4 days
• Frozen: up to 12 months

How to Freeze Plums

Wash, halve, and pit plums. Freeze in a single layer on a baking sheet, then transfer to a SPLF Reusable Freezer Bag. Frozen plums are great for jams, sauces, and baked goods.

Signs Plums Have Gone Bad

• Extremely mushy or leaking flesh
• Mold on the skin
• Sour or fermented smell
• Mealy, dry texture (chilling injury from premature refrigeration)

Quick Tips Summary

• ✅ Ripen at room temperature before refrigerating
• ✅ Store ripe plums in the crisper drawer in a single layer
• ✅ Use an airtight container with a paper towel for extra protection
• ✅ Toss cut plums with lemon juice before storing
• ❌ Don't refrigerate unripe plums — causes mealy texture
• ❌ Don't store near strong-smelling foods