7. Pears and Broccoli
Pears are another big ethylene emitter, especially as they ripen. Broccoli is super sensitive to ethylene gas and reacts by yellowing and becoming bitter quickly. It’s a sad transformation that ruins the crunch and freshness of this healthy veggie. Even just a day or two next to pears can dramatically shorten broccoli’s shelf life. Broccoli is best stored in the fridge, unwashed and loosely wrapped to allow air flow. Pears, depending on ripeness, can sit on the counter or chill in a fridge drawer. Just don’t let them share a drawer with cruciferous veggies like broccoli. When it comes to storing fruits and vegetables, this is one of the most common mistakes people make. And it’s totally avoidable with a bit of knowledge.