How to Select and Store Bananas

Select

Choose bright, not dull, yellow bananas with some green near the stems.

Store

Keep them on a countertop, unbagged, to ripen at room temperature. Don't refrigerate an unripe banana — the cold causes the skin to turn brown and prevents the fruit from ripening properly.
Life Span: 3 to 5 days.

Good to Know: Peel bananas from the bottom to avoid most of the stringy fibers. To make a healthy substitute for banana ice cream, slice a ripe banana into thin rounds, place them on a baking sheet, cover, and freeze. Bag the slices once they're frozen.

How to Select and Store Raspberries

Select

Seek out firm, dry, plump berries. Avoid boxes with juice stains or those containing berries that are stuck together.

Store

Store raspberries, unwashed, in their plastic container. Or, if you have room in the refrigerator, spread them in a single layer in a covered shallow container.
Life Span: 2 days.

Good to Know: Since raspberries are fragile, don't wash them by rinsing them under running water. Instead, fill a bowl with cold water and drop them in. For homemade sorbet, puree freshly washed raspberries, then freeze.

How to Select and Store Lemons and Limes

Select

Both lemons and limes should have smooth skins with a little give, and they should feel heavy for their size. Large ones are best for zest.

Store

Keep them unbagged on the refrigerator door, but let them sit at room temperature for a few hours before using. If you use them often, store on a counter.
Life Span: 10 days to 3 weeks refrigerated; up to 1 week at room temperature.

Good to Know: To squeeze out more juice, roll the fruit on the counter while pressing firmly with the palm of your hand, or microwave it for 10 to 20 seconds, then let it stand for about 2 minutes.