Fruits and vegetables stored in aluminium foil will retain their freshness for several days in the refrigerator. For produce from the garden or purchased from the store or farmer's market to keep its quality and flavour, it must be stored quickly. Heavy-duty or lightweight aluminium foil is acceptable for storing fruits and vegetables short-term in the refrigerator. However, since both foils tear easily, fruits and vegetables keep best wrapped in plastic first and then wrapped again in aluminium foil.
Determine which vegetables and fruits are suitable for refrigerator storage. Some vegetables are unsuited for foil wrapping and storage in the refrigerator. Tomatoes, potatoes, dry onions, eggplant and cucumbers are among those that should be stored unwrapped at room temperature. Cabbage, celery and lettuce are among the vegetables to wrap in foil and store in the refrigerator. Store fruits such as bananas, berries, citrus, pineapple and watermelon unwrapped at room temperature. Wrap sliced apples, apricots, pears and any other cut fruits in foil and store in the refrigerator.
Wash your hands with hot soapy water before and after preparing each vegetable or fruit. Clean your countertops with a mild bleach solution before and after use. Wash refrigerator vegetable bins with soap and water. Do not store fruits and vegetables in areas where raw meats might contaminate them.
Wash and rinse fruits and produce thoroughly under running tap water. Remove any damaged leaves and bruised spots on the produce. Allow the food to drain, then dry it with paper towels.
Wrap fruits and vegetables for refrigerator storage first in cling film. Lightweight and heavy-duty foils puncture easily. Cling film helps prevent any puncture holes from letting in air to dry out vegetables and fruit or allow any contaminants to spill on the produce. Once they are wrapped in cling film, wrap the fruits and vegetables with either heavy-duty aluminium foil or double wrapped lightweight foil. Most foil-wrapped fruit and vegetables last well for three days in the refrigerator and retain most of their nutrients.
For long-lasting celery or lettuce, trim and wash well. Let it drain until dry. Tightly wrap in a layer of clear cling film. Completely wrap with heavy-duty aluminium foil. Both will remain fresh and ready to eat for as long as three to four weeks in the refrigerator.