There are few things more frustrating than when your delicious fresh produce spoils before you have the chance to enjoy them. Fortunately, there are plenty of ways of helping your food last longer so that you can get the most for your money.
Line the salad drawer
Moisture has a way of building up in the salad drawer of your refrigerator. This can cause fruit and veg to spoil really quickly. Solve this by lining the drawers with some paper towels. Not only do they absorb the moisture but it’s also makes for an easy clean up! Check the paper towels regularly and replace as and when needed.
Keep bananas together
It might seem like a good idea to split your bananas apart but this can make them spoil faster. Instead, you should leave them together and wrap the stems in plastic wrap. Snap one off at a time as needed. This will help keep them fresher for up to five days longer!
Potatoes and apples
Apples are known for releasing something called ethylene gas into the air. When placed with potatoes, it helps keep the potatoes fresh and firm. It helps prevent them from sprouting and shriveling up! That said, apples should not be kept near other types of fresh produce or they can actually cause the other produce to spoil.
Vinegar for berries
Berries have a way of spoiling really quickly. Prevent this by making your own vinegar wash. Mix 1 part vinegar with 3 parts water and give your berries a good bath before refrigerating them. This ensures that mold spores are killed off and your berries will last longer!
Room temperature for tomatoes
Many of us store tomatoes in the fridge but this is not ideal. They can actually last longer if you keep them at room temperature instead! Just keep them out of the sun of course!
Foil your celery
Celery sticks usually last for up to two weeks in the original plastic wrap but, if you want them to last even longer, place inside tin foil instead! This allows the celery to breath and does not trap harmful gases that cause it to spoil.
Herbs are like flowers
When you buy fresh herbs, you might feel like placing them in the fridge but this can result in spoilage if they are forced into the salad drawer along with other fresh produce. Instead, wash them off thoroughly and set some in a glass of water on your table or kitchen countertop. This keeps them fresh and you can use as needed! If you want to buy larger quantities of herbs and freeze them, make sure you douse them with olive oil first! This helps preserve the flavour.
Mushrooms in paper bags
Mushrooms have a unique texture and they can be used fresh or cooked. Mushrooms should always be stored in paper bags so that excess moisture can be absorbed. If not, they tend to become slimy and it won’t be long before they go bad.
Crisp ice cold greens
Keep your greens in the salad drawer of your fridge and, if you find that they become limp for whatever reason, you can freshen them up with an ice bath for five to thirty minutes!