Fresh produce can quickly lose its quality if not stored correctly. Whether it’s leafy greens wilting or berries getting mouldy, proper storage is key to keeping your fruits and veggies fresh for longer. Here are some simple tips to help your produce last longer.
1. Keep Ethylene-Producing Fruits Separate
Fruits like apples, bananas, and tomatoes emit ethylene gas, which can accelerate the ripening process. Store them away from ethylene-sensitive items like leafy greens and berries to prevent premature spoilage.
2. Wrap Leafy Greens in a Damp Cloth
To keep greens like lettuce, spinach, and kale fresh, wash and dry them thoroughly, then wrap in a damp cloth or paper towel before placing in a breathable bag. This helps maintain moisture without causing sogginess.
3. Store Potatoes and Onions Separately
Storing these together can lead to sprouting and spoilage due to moisture and gas emissions. Keep them in cool, dark places, but not in the fridge, as cold temperatures can turn potato starch into sugar.
4. Use Perforated Bags for Mushrooms
Mushrooms need airflow to stay fresh. Keep them in a paper bag or a breathable container in the fridge rather than plastic, which can trap moisture and cause sliminess.
5. Refrigerate Berries Only When Dry
Moisture encourages mould growth, so wait to wash berries until just before eating. Store them in a single layer on a paper towel in a loosely covered container.
6. Keep Apples in the Fridge
Apples stay crisp and fresh for weeks when refrigerated. Place them in the crisper drawer and separate them from other produce to avoid hastening ripening.
7. Don’t Refrigerate Tomatoes
Cold temperatures can make tomatoes mealy and dull their flavour. Store ripe tomatoes at room temperature and use them within a few days.
8. Carrots Love Moisture
Trim the greens off carrots to prevent wilting and store them in a container of water in the fridge. This keeps them crisp and prevents drying out.
9. Store Bananas at Room Temperature
Bananas blacken quickly when refrigerated, so leave them on the counter. Once ripe, you can extend their life by placing them in the fridge; the skin may darken, but the fruit inside stays good.
10. Use the Crisper Drawers Wisely
Separate drawers by humidity needs: high humidity for leafy greens and low humidity for fruits like apples and pears. Adjusting the vents helps maintain the optimal environment for each type of produce.
