Q: How long do fresh, uncooked fruits and vegetables maintain their nutrients when stored in the refrigerator?

Answer :ADiane L. McKay, PhD, an assistant professor at Tufts Friedman School, answers: In general, produce retains more of these nutrients when stored in the refrigerator versus at room temperature. According to a comprehensive article from the University of California-Davis, after one week in the refrigerator, broccoli lost no vitamin C at all, while carrots and peas lost about 10%-15%. Green beans and spinach lost the most vitamin C, about 75%-77%.