Can loquats be stored in the refrigerator?
Loquat can generally be stored in the refrigerator, but proper methods and storage duration should be noted. Detailed explanation is as follows:
Loquat is a delicious and nutritious fruit, but it has specific storage requirements. Placing loquats in the refrigerator for cold storage can slow down their ripening and spoilage process, helping to maintain freshness and texture. The recommended refrigeration temperature is 0–5°C, under which loquats can typically be stored for 5–7 days.
However, the humidity inside the refrigerator is relatively low, and prolonged storage may cause moisture loss in loquats, affecting their taste and quality. Additionally, the moisture inside the refrigerator can cause the loquat skins to turn black and mold when exposed to high humidity. Therefore, loquats should not be stored in the refrigerator for extended periods.

When storing loquats, it is advisable to wrap each fruit individually in paper to prevent mutual compression and collision, thereby reducing damage and the risk of decay while preserving moisture. If there is a large quantity of loquats, they can be divided into smaller packages before refrigeration to minimize temperature fluctuations caused by frequent opening of the refrigerator.
After removing loquats from the refrigerator, they should be consumed promptly and not left at room temperature for extended periods. Fully ripe loquats are relatively fragile and prone to damage during refrigeration, so refrigeration may not be the best option at this stage.