How to Make Fruit Protection Bags

Fruit on a tree that can be protected with bags.

Bagging fruit may protect it from insects, environmental conditions, exposure to extreme heat or cold and injuries to its skin. While you can buy fruit bags in grocery stores, specialty gourmet stores or online, you can also make fruit protection bags at home. Try bags for fruits such as bananas, mangoes, melons and apples. Remember to remove any moisture from the bags as moisture can cause the fruit to spoil rapidly.

Things You'll Need

• Newspaper
• Scissors
• Stapler
• Glue
• String

Instructions

1. Cut old newspaper into squares that are six inches by nine inches for medium-sized fruit. Double the size of the newspaper squares for larger fruit.

2. Double the layers of newspaper on top of each other to create durable sides.

3. Fold in the edges of three of the sides of the newspaper, leaving one side open as the top of the bag.

4. Staple or glue the folded edges so that they are closed tight and will not reopen.

5. Blow in the top of the bag or gently open it with your fingers so there is room to place the fruit inside.

6. Gently push the bag over the fruit and close the top with tape or staples, or tie it shut with string. Fruit will ripen within the bag and may even be bigger and sweeter as a result.

Tips & Warnings

• When the fruit protection bags are over the fruit, grab a corner of the bag and shake it gently so that the sides of the bag are not touching the fruit.

References

• PAN Germany: Bagging Fruits
• Green Harvest: Organic Fruit Fly Control

Resources

• Read this Article in Spanish