French chefs recommend paper towel trick to keep fruit fresh during heatwave

Chef and TV host Cyril Lignac advises placing a lightly damp paper towel at the bottom of a fruit basket to limit excess moisture and protect produce from temperature swings during the ongoing French heatwave. The simple method, described on the Marmiton site, helps fruits such as peaches, apricots and bananas stay firm longer despite accelerated respiration and ethylene emissions in high heat.

Additional guidance on choosing apricots stresses that a ripe apricot is firm yet yielding and emits a strong aroma; color, size or hue are unreliable indicators. Consumers are urged to buy only the amount they will eat within three days and store the fruit in a cool, well‑ventilated area rather than a refrigerator, as refrigeration can damage flavor.

Together, these tips aim to reduce food waste and preserve nutritional quality during prolonged periods of high temperature in France.