Fresh fruits and vegetables
1. Keep things separate
Certain fruits and vegetables release a natural gas called ethylene when they ripen, and it can affect other produce that’s stored nearby, causing it to spoil quickly. In general, fruit emits much more ethylene than vegetables, and vegetables are much more sensitive to ethylene than fruit – so it’s recommended to always store fruit and vegetables separately.
2. Wrap your greens
Like all vegetables, if leafy greens get too wet they can get attacked by microbes and you’ll end up with a slimy mess. The best way to extend the life of your salad greens is to wrap the unwashed leaves in a paper towel. The towel can absorb any excess moisture and slow the rotting process.
3. Wash your berries
It often seems like strawberries start to go mouldy the second you buy them, but there is a way to prevent this. Simply immerse the berries in a bowl of hot water and give them a quick wash – about 30 seconds. The hot water will kill off the mould spores, helping your berries stay fresher for longer. Then just allow them to dry completely before storing in the fridge.
4. Keep root vegetables out of the fridge
Potatoes, sweet potatoes and whole pumpkins tend to like a cool, dark place with good air circulation. They can be kept in baskets or bowls, but ensure their skin is dry before they’re stored. Onions and garlic also prefer a low-light, low-temperature environment – however, they need to be kept separate from other vegetables (not in the same bin).
5. Freeze for the future
If you accidentally bought too much produce and are worried it’s going to go to waste, simply chop it up and store it in the freezer for later. You can freeze everything from broccoli and corn to apples and berries, and they’ll last for up to one year. Just ensure you blanch your vegies (boil them for 1-2 minutes before immediately placing in ice-cold water) before freezing, as this will help keep them at their peak.