14 Easy Hacks To Keep Fruits And Veggies Fresh For Longer
If you store fruits and vegetables properly, you can be sure that they’ll stay safe to eat longer and that their taste won’t be spoiled. 5-Minute Crafts wants to show you several tricks for how to store each of them in the best way possible.
1. Strawberries
To keep bacteria from growing on your strawberries, wash them in a vinegar solution (1 part vinegar to 5 parts water) and let them dry completely on a paper towel. Then place a single layer of strawberries on a paper towel in an open container and store them in the fridge.
2. Apples
Apples can be stored on the counter, but if you want them to last longer, it’s best to keep them in the fridge.
3. Bananas
You can make the life of your bananas longer by separating them from the bunch and wrapping the stems in plastic food wrap. Don’t forget that they should be stored at room temperature, not in the fridge.
4. Citrus fruits
If you want to extend the shelf life of citrus fruits like oranges, tangerines, grapefruits, lemons, and limes, place them in the crisper drawer of your fridge and not on the countertop.
5. Pineapples
Cut off the leafy top of your pineapple, turn it upside down and place it in the fridge this way. This will help to redistribute sugars throughout the fruit better and keep it fresh longer.
6. Grapes
Your grapes will stay fresh longer if you put them in plastic bags with a paper towel inside to absorb moisture. Don’t forget to keep them in the fridge.
7. Potatoes
Put 1 or 2 apples in a box or a basket with your potatoes to keep them from sprouting. Don’t forget that you should store them out of the fridge in a dry, dark place with plenty of ventilation.
8. Carrots
To prevent the dehydration of your carrots, remove the greens from them and store them in the fridge in a plastic bag with a damp paper towel inside.
9. Garlic and onions
Garlic and onions love darkness and they also need some airflow. So the best way to store them is to put them in separate paper bags with several small holes punched through them.
10. Asparagus
Asparagus should be stored upright in the fridge in a glass filled with water, just like a bunch of flowers. This way, you’ll keep it hydrated and slow down the wilting process.
11. Broccoli
Broccoli loves moisture, which is why it will last longer if you wrap it loosely in a damp paper towel and place it in the fridge.
12. Celery
Your celery will last longer if you wrap it in aluminum foil and place it in the fridge.
13. Tomatoes
To get the best-tasting tomatoes, store them at room temperature away from direct sunlight. Place your tomatoes in a bowl or on a plate with the stem-end down to prevent air from entering the area around the stem and causing them to lose moisture.
14. Salad greens
Store salad greens and herbs like spinach, arugula, and other greens in small plastic bags filled with some air and sealed at the top tightly. Place the bags in the fridge, and your greens will stay bright and crisp for a longer period of time.