Do you often find yourself throwing away fresh fruits and vegetables because they've gone bad?
If so, you're not alone. In fact, the average family throws out $1,500 worth of food every year!
There are a few simple tricks that you can use to make your fruits and veggies last longer. In this blog post, we will discuss four ways to keep your produce fresh for longer!
One way to keep your fruits and vegetables fresh is to store them correctly. For example, leafy greens like spinach and kale should be stored in an airtight container with a damp paper towel.
This will help to keep them from drying out. On the other hand, tomatoes should be stored on the counter at room temperature. Storing them in the fridge will cause them to lose their flavour.
Another way to extend the life of your fresh produce is to buy only what you need. When you go to the grocery store, ensure you only buy enough fruits and vegetables for the week. This may seem common sense, but it's one of the best ways to reduce food waste. If you find that you have too much produce, consider giving it away to a friend or neighbour.
Don't forget to wash your fruits and vegetables as soon as you get them home. This will help to remove any dirt or bacteria that could cause them to spoil quickly. When you're ready to eat them, simply rinse them under cold water and enjoy!
Now that we’ve gone over some general tips let’s talk about specific fruits and vegetables.
Many people don’t realise that different types of produce require different storage methods. For example, did you know that you should never store bananas in the fridge? The cold temperature will cause them to turn brown and mushy. Instead, keep them on the countertop or in a fruit bowl. If you have ripe bananas that you’re not ready to eat yet, you can store them in the freezer. Just be sure to peel them first!
When it comes to leafy greens, such as spinach and lettuce, it’s best to store them in a resealable bag with a damp paper towel. This will help to keep them from drying out. As for carrots and celery, they should be stored in water-filled containers in the fridge. This will help to keep them crisp and fresh.
Tomatoes are a tricky one. If you store them in the fridge, they will lose their flavour. However, if you leave them out on the counter, they will spoil quickly. The best solution is to store them in a cool, dark place, such as a pantry or cupboard.
When it comes to berries, it’s best to eat them as soon as possible after buying them. But if you need to store them, put them in a container with a lid in the fridge and consume them within a couple of days. Grapes can last longer than other berries, up to a week, if stored in a cool, dry place.
The produce drawer in your fridge is probably one of the most used compartments since it houses all of your fruits and veggies. However, it can also be one of the most frustrating since it's hard to keep everything fresh. Produce goes bad quickly; before you know it, you're making another trip to the grocery store.
You can use a few simple tips and tricks to make your fruits and vegetables last longer. For example, did you know that where you store your fresh produce can make a big difference?
Fruits like apples, pears, and bananas give off ethylene gas as they ripen. This gas speeds up the ripening process for other produce nearby, so it's best to store them separately from things like tomatoes, avocados, and leafy greens. Ethylene-sensitive produce should be stored in the crisper drawer of your fridge, which is usually the coolest and most humid spot.
Another tip is to ensure your fresh produce is dry before storing it. Moisture promotes bacterial growth, so giving your fruits and vegetables a quick pat down with a paper towel can help them last longer.
Finally, don't forget about using up older produce first. This may seem like a no-brainer, but it's easy to forget about that bag of spinach in the back of the fridge when there's a new delivery of fresh produce staring you in the face. Using up older items first can help reduce food waste and save money in the long run.
And, of course, you can add a Food So Fresh Filter that will extend the life of fresh produce by up to 100%