Want to keep your fruits and veggies fresh for longer? With the right techniques, you can maximize the lifespan of your produce and reduce waste. It all starts with proper handling, storage, and care.
Mastering how to peel, cut, and store your fruits and vegetables can make a huge difference in maintaining their flavor and texture. From washing to temperature control, small adjustments can have big results.
By following a few simple steps, like storing produce whole and separating different types, you’ll ensure your fridge stays organized and your food stays fresher longer. Let’s dive into the pro tips that will keep your produce at its best!
1. Skip Pre-Washing
If you’re storing fruits or vegetables in the fridge, avoid washing them before storage. The added moisture can cause them to spoil faster. Only wash produce just before using it. If you must wash it beforehand, ensure it dries thoroughly before refrigerating.
2. Store Produce Whole
For optimal freshness, store fruits and vegetables whole. Cutting them before refrigeration can cause them to spoil more quickly. You can remove stems and roots, but keep the rest intact until you’re ready to cook. If you plan to use them soon, you can cut them and store them in an airtight container in the crisper, but they won’t last as long.
3. Separate Your Produce
Don’t crowd your fruits and vegetables in the same space. Store leafy greens and herbs in the crisper, and keep other produce on separate shelves. For example, high-water content vegetables should be stored separately from those with lower water content. Storing different types of produce together can accelerate wilting or rotting.
4. Opt for Paper, Not Plastic
Plastic bags or containers trap moisture, which can cause produce to spoil. Instead, choose paper packaging with ventilation holes or plastic nets to help maintain freshness. For mushrooms, paper bags are the best choice, as they absorb excess moisture.
5. Track Your Produce’s Lifespan
Label your stored produce with a “use by” date based on how long they typically last in your fridge. This will help you keep track of what needs to be used soon and plan your meals accordingly.
6. Set Your Refrigerator to the Right Temperature
For maximum freshness, your fridge should be set between 1-4°C. Too cold and high-water-content produce may freeze; too warm and bacteria will spoil your food.
7. Control Humidity in Your Fridge
Maintaining consistent humidity is essential for preserving produce. Some refrigerators feature humidity controls, like Electrolux’s TasteLockAuto, which releases excess moisture to prevent condensation and early spoilage.
8. Inspect Your Produce Regularly
Check your fruits and vegetables frequently to catch any that are starting to spoil. Removing rotting produce quickly prevents it from affecting the rest of your items and keeps everything fresh for longer.
9. Use Containers for Firm Veggies
For firm vegetables like carrots, broccoli, and celery, consider storing them in containers inside the crisper. This keeps them fresh and crisp while preventing contamination from faster-spoiling produce.
10. Maintain a Clean Refrigerator
Keeping your refrigerator clean is crucial for storing fresh produce. Spoiling produce can contaminate others nearby, causing them to spoil faster. Clean your crisper or shelves regularly, especially after removing rotted items, to prevent unpleasant odors and maintain freshness.