Eating a variety of fresh fruits and vegetables is essential to maintaining a healthy and balanced diet. However, it can be frustrating to buy a bunch of produce only to have it spoil before you get a chance to eat it. Fortunately, there are some simple steps you can take to keep your fruits and vegetables fresher for longer. Here are some tips and tricks:
1. Choose the right storage method
Different types of fruits and vegetables require different storage methods. Some should be stored at room temperature, while others should be refrigerated. Here are some general guidelines:
- Store bananas, avocados and tomatoes at room temperature.
- Store apples, grapes, citrus fruits and stone fruits in the refrigerator.
- Store leafy greens, broccoli, and carrots in the refrigerator.
- Keep them dry.
Moisture can make fruits and vegetables spoil faster. To prevent this, make sure your product is dry before storing. You can use a paper towel to dry them or use a salad spinner for leafy greens. - Store them in the right container
The right container can also make a big difference in how long your produce stays fresh. Here are some options - For leafy greens, use a container with a lid or a produce storage bag.
For fruits that release ethylene gas (such as apples and bananas), store them separately from other fruits and vegetables.
For the berries, use a container with a lid and wrap with paper towels to absorb moisture.
5: Wait to wash them, until you are prepared to use them. Before storing them, washing produce may cause it to rot more quickly. Refrain from washing them before you’re ready to utilize them.
- Properly store herbs
If not properly stored, herbs like cilantro, parsley, and basil can soon dry out and go bad. Trimming the tips and putting them in a jar or glass of water, like you would with flowers, is one way to keep them fresh. Put it in the refrigerator and cover it with a plastic bag. It can also be placed in a jar in the refrigerator and wrapped in a damp paper towel. - Keep fruits and vegetables separate, Some fruits, such as apples and pears, release a gas called ethylene as they ripen. This gas can cause fruits and other vegetables to ripen and spoil faster. To prevent this, store ethylene-producing fruit separately from other produce. You can also use a divider product storage container.
8: Buying Local and Seasonal Fruits and Vegetables
Buying seasonal and locally grown fruit can help ensure its freshness when you buy it. Local fruit doesn’t have to travel as far, which means it spends less time in transit and is less likely to spoil. Fruits and vegetables that are in season are also likely to be fresher and taste better.
9: Use the first-in, first-out method
When buying new vegetables and fruits, be sure to use the old ones first. This helps prevent food waste and ensures that you are eating the freshest produce possible. Label your containers with the date of purchase or use clear containers to easily see which product to use first.
How to keep leafy green vegetables fresh?
Store leafy greens in a perforated plastic bag,
1:Fill a plastic bag with leafy greens that has tiny holes for airflow. The moisture buildup that can make them wilt will be avoided as a result.
- Refrigerate: Store leafy greens at a temperature between 32, and 36 degrees Fahrenheit (2.22 °C) in the refrigerator. Keep them away from food that releases ethylene gas, which can hasten the deterioration of green leaves, including apples, bananas, and other fruits and vegetables.
- Store leafy greens in a perforated plastic bag, 1:Fill a plastic bag with leafy greens that has tiny holes for airflow. The moisture buildup that can make them wilt will be avoided as a result.