Complete Guide to Fruits

Everything you need to know about selecting, storing, and cooking with fruits.

Citrus Fruits Stone Fruits Berries Tropical Fruits Pome Fruits Melons

Citrus Fruits

Bright, acidic fruits perfect for adding zest and freshness

Lemon

Season: Year-round

Uses: Dressings, marinades, baking, beverages

Storage: Room temp 1 week, refrigerated 4 weeks

Lime

Season: Year-round

Uses: Mexican & Asian cuisines, cocktails, desserts

Storage: Room temp 1 week, refrigerated 3 weeks

Orange

Season: Winter

Uses: Juicing, salads, glazes, marmalade

Storage: Room temp 1 week, refrigerated 3 weeks

Grapefruit

Season: Winter-Spring

Uses: Breakfast, salads, broiling with sugar

Storage: Refrigerated 2-3 weeks

Meyer Lemon

Season: Winter

Uses: Baking, preserving, cocktails

Storage: Refrigerated 2 weeks

Blood Orange

Season: Winter

Uses: Salads, desserts, cocktails

Storage: Refrigerated 2 weeks

Stone Fruits

Sweet summer fruits with a pit in the center

Peach

Season: Summer

Uses: Pies, cobblers, grilling, preserves

Storage: Ripen at room temp, then refrigerate 5 days

Nectarine

Season: Summer

Uses: Fresh eating, salads, grilling

Storage: Ripen at room temp, then refrigerate 5 days

Plum

Season: Summer-Fall

Uses: Baking, jams, sauces, fresh eating

Storage: Ripen at room temp, then refrigerate 5 days

Cherry

Season: Late Spring-Summer

Uses: Pies, preserves, sauces, fresh eating

Storage: Refrigerated 1 week

Apricot

Season: Late Spring-Summer

Uses: Jams, baking, drying, glazes

Storage: Ripen at room temp, then refrigerate 3 days

Mango

Season: Spring-Summer

Uses: Smoothies, salsas, desserts, curries

Storage: Ripen at room temp, then refrigerate 5 days

Berries

Delicate, antioxidant-rich small fruits

Strawberry

Season: Spring-Summer

Uses: Desserts, jams, salads, smoothies

Storage: Refrigerated 3-5 days, don't wash until use

Blueberry

Season: Summer

Uses: Baking, pancakes, smoothies, sauces

Storage: Refrigerated 1-2 weeks

Raspberry

Season: Summer

Uses: Desserts, sauces, jams, fresh eating

Storage: Refrigerated 2-3 days

Blackberry

Season: Summer

Uses: Pies, cobblers, jams, sauces

Storage: Refrigerated 2-3 days

Cranberry

Season: Fall

Uses: Sauces, baking, juices

Storage: Refrigerated 2 months, frozen 1 year

Tropical Fruits

Exotic fruits from warm climates

Pineapple

Season: Spring-Summer

Uses: Fresh eating, grilling, baking, salsas

Storage: Room temp 2 days, refrigerated 5 days

Banana

Season: Year-round

Uses: Baking, smoothies, fresh eating

Storage: Room temp until ripe, then refrigerate

Papaya

Season: Year-round

Uses: Salads, smoothies, meat tenderizer

Storage: Ripen at room temp, then refrigerate 3 days

Coconut

Season: Year-round

Uses: Baking, curries, beverages, desserts

Storage: Whole 4 months, opened refrigerate 1 week

Passion Fruit

Season: Summer

Uses: Desserts, beverages, sauces

Storage: Refrigerated 1-2 weeks

Dragon Fruit

Season: Summer

Uses: Smoothies, salads, fresh eating

Storage: Refrigerated 2 weeks

Pome Fruits

Crisp fruits with a core containing seeds

Apple

Season: Fall

Uses: Baking, sauces, cider, fresh eating

Storage: Refrigerated 4-6 weeks

Pear

Season: Fall-Winter

Uses: Poaching, baking, salads, cheese pairings

Storage: Ripen at room temp, then refrigerate 5 days

Quince

Season: Fall

Uses: Jams, poaching, membrillo paste

Storage: Refrigerated 2-3 months

Melons

Refreshing, hydrating summer fruits

Watermelon

Season: Summer

Uses: Fresh eating, salads, juices, grilling

Storage: Room temp until cut, then refrigerate 5 days

Cantaloupe

Season: Summer

Uses: Fresh eating, salads, prosciutto pairing

Storage: Ripen at room temp, then refrigerate 5 days

Honeydew

Season: Summer

Uses: Fresh eating, smoothies, salads

Storage: Ripen at room temp, then refrigerate 5 days

Fruit Cooking Tips

Ripening

Place unripe fruits in a paper bag with a banana or apple to speed ripening due to ethylene gas.

Preventing Browning

Toss cut apples, pears, and bananas with lemon juice to prevent oxidation.

Maximizing Juice

Roll citrus fruits on the counter before juicing, or microwave for 10 seconds to get more juice.

Peeling

Blanch peaches and tomatoes in boiling water for 30 seconds, then ice bath for easy peeling.

Zesting

Zest citrus before juicing. Freeze zest in ice cube trays for later use.

Grilling

Firm fruits like peaches, pineapple, and watermelon caramelize beautifully on the grill.

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