Litchi — the juicy, fragrant summer delight — is a fruit loved by kids and adults alike. But there’s a catch: it spoils fast. Within just a day or two, litchis start turning brown, lose their sweetness, and even get infested with insects. That’s why most people hesitate to buy them in bulk.

But here's the good news — with the right storage techniques, you can enjoy fresh litchis for more than three days, even up to a week. Let's look at 5 effective ways to keep litchis fresh and delicious for longer.

1. Store Litchi Properly in the Refrigerator

Yes, refrigeration is key — but how you refrigerate matters. Don't toss litchis in the fridge uncovered.

Best practice:
Place them in a plastic or ziplock bag, and store them in the fruit compartment of your fridge. This prevents moisture loss and helps maintain their natural juiciness.

2. Use Paper Towels for Moisture Control

If you’re storing litchis in an airtight container, add a dry paper towel inside.

Why it helps:
Paper towels absorb excess moisture, preventing the litchi skin from becoming soggy or moldy. Replace the towel every two days for best results.

3. Avoid Room Temperature Storage

Leaving litchis out on the kitchen counter, especially in summer, speeds up browning and spoilage.

What to do instead:
As soon as you bring them home, transfer them directly to the fridge — even if you plan to eat them the same day.

4. Never Wash Before Storing

Washing litchis before refrigerating them is a common mistake.

Why avoid this:
Water left on the skin adds extra moisture, accelerating fungal growth and spoilage. Only wash them right before eating.

5. Freeze Litchis for Long-Term Storage

Bought too many? Peel them, remove the seeds, and freeze the pulp.

How to do it:
Place the litchi flesh in an airtight freezer-safe container. Frozen litchi can last for months and is perfect for smoothies, desserts, and cool summer drinks.