Fruits that are stored in the fridge should keep their cold chain, that is, they should be kept in the refrigerator of the house; those that are on shelves can remain outside, in the basket provided for them.

The ideal of fruits is to consume them fresh, but it is normal that the rhythms of current life do not have the time to go to the square frequently, so the best ally to keep them at home - when they have reached the desired point of maturity - It's the refrigerator.

To conserve them in the most optimal way implies washing them, peeling them (those that are not eaten with skin) and chopping them in slices or in the portions that are needed. Mariana Gaviria, chef and coach of holistic nutrition, assures that the most practical and hygienic is to refrigerate the chopped fruits ready to use, since to manipulate them whole and frozen is complex. It is preferable that they go from the fridge directly to the preparation or to the plate.

If the freezer is shared with meats, chickens and fish, the vegetables and fruits should go on top and the raw proteins on the bottom to avoid cross contamination that can arise from the liquids that distill the proteins. In addition, it is recommended to clean the fridge every 8 or 15 days, depending on the number of people living at home and the food traffic that goes through the refrigerator.

Frozen fruits are just as rich in nutrients and vitamins as fresh ones. It is not true that they lose their properties or their flavor; However, the texture does change with the cold chain and lose their natural beauty. This change in appearance limits its use in preparations where the fruit is exposed, even so, it is still ideal for soups, sauces, smoothies, ice creams, juices or to accompany cereal, pancakes and yogurt.

The best fruits to freeze are:

• Pineapples: without skin, without the heart and in small pieces. The frozen pineapple is also like a natural palette that children like a lot.

• Berries: they have a very short life in the fridge because they are prone to the fungus that generates moisture. Before freezing remove its leaves.

• Bananas: if it freezes with skin it will turn black, but it will remain the same. For ease it is recommended to peel and split them in half.

• Avocado: it passes from its degree of ripeness easily, and once separated from the pepa it turns black and is not preserved. In the freezer, without skin and in pictures, lasts as long as you want.

• Figs: whole or in halves and without stem is the correct way to freeze them.

• Mangoes : discard the skin and pulp. Cut it into small cubes before taking it to the refrigerator.

• Peach: although they can preserve the skin, it is recommended to cut them to remove the heart.