Are you tired of your fruits and vegetables spoiling before you get the chance to enjoy them? Discover the best way to store fruits and vegetables to maximize freshness and flavor. From crisp apples to leafy greens, proper storage can be the difference between a delightful meal and a disappointing one.
In this article, we’ll guide you through the essential tips and tricks that will help you keep your produce fresher for longer.
Vegetables and fruits are foods derived from plants that contain water content so high. Vegetables and fruits will be very tasty if consumed in a fresh state. Therefore, vegetables and fruits are often placed in the refrigerator to keep them fresh.
Most people buy vegetables daily. This is because you want the freshness of vegetables to be maintained well and tasty when eaten. But what about those of you who want to buy vegetables in large quantities at once?
Buying vegetables in large quantities aims to save more costs and time. However, this causes your fruits and vegetables to no longer be fresh for a long time. So how to overcome your fruits and vegetables to stay fresh even if you buy them for a long period of time?
Well, here are The Best Way To Store Vegetables and Fruits so that your vegetables and fruits are always fresh and durable.
Best Way To Store Vegetables and Fruits
Take some time when choosing a product.
You have to choose a good product. If you bring home a bad apple or a bunch of wilted kale, any type of refrigerator won’t be able to save it.
Cleaning the refrigerator regularly
If you are one of the people who often store fruits and vegetables in large quantities in the refrigerator, then you also have to be painstaking in maintaining the cleanliness of the refrigerator. Do some of these things so that the refrigerator is always clean, free of bad odors, and ready to be used to store fruits and vegetables:
- Quickly clean drinks or other liquids that drip on the inside of the refrigerator. Do not let the liquid dry out and cause a bad smell.
- Ensure that all food and beverages are stored in tightly sealed containers so that their aroma does not affect raw fruits and vegetables.
- Clean the inside of the refrigerator at least once a month with dish soap and clean wipes. This process is important to remove stains that appear due to food or drink waste.
Choose root vegetables
Carrots, beets, turnips, and so on are the types of root vegetables. This type will last longer (1-2 weeks) in the refrigerator. As long as you buy it fresh.
After buying, cut off the root or base to prevent moist vegetables from coming from the roots. Because moisture can accelerate decay. Except, leeks and asparagus, which you can plant with the ends of the roots submerged by about an inch.
Keep small pods and pumpkins such as zucchini in a place that can be opened and covered, and store root vegetables such as carrots in a closed plastic bag.
Sweet potatoes and pumpkins also last for several weeks and do not require a refrigerator. Just keep them in a place that is not exposed to sunlight, but don’t forget them.
Remove the Rotten Parts
Fruits and vegetables that are still fresh when mixed with just one rotten fruit, as a result of which the fruits and vegetables will quickly rot. Always pay attention to whether there are any parts of vegetables and fruits that have been rotten. Remove the rotten parts so as not to “rub” into other fresh fruits and vegetables.
Keep it at the ideal temperature.
Fresh fruits and vegetables are actually living things. Even though it has been picked and harvested from the tree, the vegetables and fruits still need oxygen to ‘breathe’ and release carbon dioxide. The ability of vegetables and fruits to ‘breathe’ depends on the temperature of the storage area and the type of vegetable or fruit.
The lower the temperature in the store, the lower the ability of vegetables and fruits to ‘breathe’ and the longer it extends its shelf life. The more oxygen ‘inhaled’ and carbon dioxide is released, the more it will accelerate the fruits and vegetables to become rotten and damaged.
Some types of vegetables / fruits should be directly stored in a cold place, while some are sensitive to cold temperatures and will rot when entering the refrigerator.
Understanding the right conditions for storing different types of produce is crucial. Here’s what you need to know:
- Cool and Dry: Items like onions and garlic prefer a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight.
- Refrigerator Crisper: Most fruits and vegetables thrive in the high humidity of your fridge’s crisper drawer.
Tips for keep vegetables and fruits fresh without fridge
There are several tricks to keep vegetables and fruits fresh even if stored in the room. Some types of fruit such as mango, banana, avocado, kiwi, pear, plum, and tomato will produce ethylene gas when ripe.
This gas can make sensitive foods such as apples, broccoli, carrots, watermelon, and green vegetables more quickly ripen or rot. So, never store fruits that produce ethylene with vegetables or fruits that are sensitive to the gas.
Read more:
9 Tips – How To Store Bananas So They Last Longer
Also, do not wash any types of fruit such as berries and grapes before eating them. Whether stored inside or outside the refrigerator, wet conditions will stimulate the growth of mold so that the fruits will quickly rot.
For vegetables, there are several types of vegetables that easily wither, such as green vegetables. So to keep it fresh even if it is not stored in the refrigerator, put the green vegetables in a bag containing a little air and then close tightly.
Citrus fruits such as lemons, oranges, squeezed oranges, and limes are usually more durable compared to most other fruits. To always be fresh, store citrus fruits in a perforated plastic bag and place them in a dark and cool place.
For pineapples, simply cut the leafy top and store it in an inverted position. This will redistribute the sugar that settles in during delivery and help it last a long time.
Some types of vegetables will lose their flavor when refrigerated. So it’s best to keep potatoes, onions, and tomatoes in a cool, dry place, but not in the refrigerator.
To keep garlic fresh, do not put it in plastic so that it can last up to a month or more.
Avoid buying refrigerated or frozen vegetables if you don’t have a refrigerator. Fruits and vegetables that have been refrigerated will spoil quickly break down if not put in the refrigerator.
The Art of Separation: Which Fruits and Veggies to Keep Apart
Some fruits emit ethylene gas, which can cause other produce to ripen and spoil prematurely. Learn which items to separate:
- Ethylene Producers: Apples, bananas, and tomatoes should be stored away from ethylene-sensitive produce.
- Ethylene Sensitive: Keep leafy greens, carrots, and berries away from ethylene producers.
FAQ
How long can I store leafy greens in the refrigerator?
Leafy greens can last up to a week when stored properly in the high humidity section of your fridge.
Wrap Up
Embracing the best way to store fruits and vegetables is a game-changer for any kitchen enthusiast. With these tips, you’ll enjoy fresher produce that lasts longer, saving you time and money. Remember, the key to longevity is understanding the unique needs of each fruit and vegetable.
For more detailed information on ethylene producers and sensitive produce, visit the Food and Agriculture Organization website. Their comprehensive guides provide in-depth knowledge that can help you extend the shelf life of your groceries.
