Can loquats be stored in the refrigerator to maintain freshness?
May 24, 2025
Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Yang Ziqi
Introduction
Under normal circumstances, loquats can be stored in the refrigerator to maintain freshness, but attention should be paid to their ripeness, pre-treatment, and packaging methods. Refrigeration can reduce the respiration rate and ethylene release of loquats, delay fruit softening, browning, and spoilage, and extend the shelf life to 5–7 days. However, low temperatures may inhibit further ripening. It is recommended to store loquats at room temperature until the skin turns yellow and the texture becomes slightly soft before refrigerating.
Generally, loquats can be stored in the refrigerator for freshness preservation, but attention should be paid to their ripeness, pre-treatment, and packaging methods. Detailed explanations are as follows:
Refrigeration can reduce loquats' respiration intensity and ethylene release, delaying fruit softening, browning, and rotting, thereby extending the shelf life to 5–7 days. However, low temperatures may inhibit further ripening, causing the flesh to become hard and astringent. It is recommended to store loquats at room temperature until the skin turns yellowish and feels slightly soft before refrigerating. Fully ripe loquats can be refrigerated directly but should not be stored together with ethylene-releasing fruits such as apples and bananas, as this accelerates softening.
When storing loquats in the refrigerator, it is advisable to select fruits with intact skin and no mold spots. Gently wipe off surface moisture with a soft cloth, avoiding direct washing. Wrap individual loquats with breathable freshness-preserving bags or kitchen paper before placing them in the refrigerator's chill compartment to prevent condensation on the peel.
Although refrigeration can delay spoilage, loquats may still gradually lose moisture and become shriveled, so it is best to consume them within five days. If black spots appear on the peel, the flesh becomes mushy, or there is an unusual odor, discard them immediately.
