“Discover How to Make Your Produce Last Longer”
“Please note that Hearst Magazines and Yahoo may receive commissions from some links.” Seeing cilantro in the crisper drawer turning black is always disheartening. At the Good Housekeeping Test Kitchen, we lament the premature perishing of fruits and vegetables. This led me to explore the most effective techniques to revive celery, maintain plump berries, and other strategies to extend the lifespan of your produce. Given the high grocery costs and environmental impact of food wastage, discarding ingredients is not a luxury we can afford. Moreover, fresher produce also enhances the taste of your dishes.
Commence by selecting the freshest produce available. Opt for items from your garden, a local farmers market, or a reputable grocery store that primarily sources from nearby farms. Produce that travels long distances tends to lose its freshness. While shopping, inspect the items closely to avoid bruised apples, wilted kale, or moldy berries hidden in containers. These hacks are ineffective if the produce has already started deteriorating.
Separate produce based on ethylene emissions to optimize your fridge’s two crisper drawers. Ethylene accelerates ripening and is emitted by fruits like apples, bananas, and tomatoes. Keep ethylene-sensitive items like asparagus, cucumbers, and leafy greens away from these emitters. Avoid washing produce before storage, especially those with natural waxy coatings like apples and cucumbers, as it can lead to premature shriveling.
For vegetables that need hydration, such as asparagus, wrap them in damp paper towels before storing in a plastic bag in the fridge. Scallions can be stored root-side down in a glass with water to maintain freshness. Trim any damaged ends and change the water every few days. These simple strategies can help you make your produce last longer and reduce food wastage.
To keep leafy greens like lettuce and spinach fresh in the fridge, loosely wrap them in dry paper towels before storing them in a plastic bag. Store tomatoes stem side down to help retain moisture and keep them juicy longer. You can even place a piece of Scotch tape on the stem area for added freshness. Slow down banana ripening by wrapping each stem with tape, foil, or plastic wrap to reduce the release of ethylene gas.
Mushrooms should be stored in paper bags to maintain their moisture level. Remove greens from carrots before storing to prevent the root ends from spoiling quickly. Use carrot tops in recipes like chimichurri or pesto. Wrap celery in foil to retain moisture without trapping ethylene gas.
Separate onions from potatoes as onions produce ethylene, which can cause potatoes to spoil faster. Store garlic in a ceramic garlic keeper to protect it from light, heat, and moisture. Soak berries in a vinegar solution to prolong their freshness before storing them in the fridge. Keep basil at room temperature to maintain its freshness.
Taking care of delicate herbs such as basil requires a gentle touch. To keep them fresh and vibrant, treat them as you would a bouquet of flowers by placing them in a vase with some water. This same method applies to other tender herbs like mint and cilantro. Just like with flowers, it’s important to change the water regularly to prevent any bacteria buildup.
When it comes to avocados, sometimes they ripen faster than we can use them. To prevent them from turning brown and overripe, store them in the refrigerator. However, make sure to keep them away from other ethylene-producing fruits, as this can accelerate the ripening process.
Cucumbers have a tendency to lose their crispness quickly, turning mushy before we know it. To maintain their freshness, remove them from their original packaging and place them on paper towels to absorb any excess moisture.
If you’re finding it challenging to remember all these tips, refer to the convenient chart provided above for easy access. Remember, taking care of your produce properly can help it last longer and stay fresh for when you’re ready to enjoy it.
