Maximising the freshness of fresh produce is crucial since they're perishable items. Luckily, simple tips and tricks can help extend their short shelf life. Here are Gertrude Grocer's tips keep your fruits and veggies fresh longer.
Do not store tomatoes in the fridge:
Storing tomatoes in a cold environment can affect their flavour and texture more than their shelf life. To enjoy the best flavour, it is recommended to store them at room temperature. To extend their shelf life, store them with the stem side facing downwards as it is the last part of the tomato to ripen.
Store potatoes with apples:
To help keep your potatoes fresh for longer, try storing them with apples if you have them available. Apples release ethylene gas, which can regulate the growth and development of plants, and this can extend the shelf life of your potatoes.
Don't cut lemons in half:
When juicing a lemon, cutting it in half can cause it to dry out quickly. Instead, try poking a hole in the whole lemon with a fork and squeezing out the juice through the hole. This helps to prevent the entire lemon from drying out and allows you to use it for a longer period of time.
Cover lettuce with a paper towel and cling wrap:
Moisture can cause lettuce leaves to become soggy and brown, resulting in spoilage. To help keep your lettuce fresh, store the leaves in a container covered with a paper towel and seal with plastic wrap. The paper towel will absorb moisture, while the plastic wrap will prevent any additional moisture from getting in.
Store carrots in water:
Carrots can become dried out and shriveled if they don't have enough moisture. To keep them fresh, try storing them in a container filled with water, covering it with plastic wrap, and then storing it in the fridge. The water provides moisture to the carrots, and the plastic wrap helps to retain it.
Wash berries with vinegar and water:
Before storing strawberries, blueberries, or other similar fruits in the fridge, it's recommended to wash them with a mixture of vinegar and water. Use one part vinegar and three parts water to disinfect the berries against mold. The water will help to maintain the original flavor. After washing with the vinegar mixture, rinse the berries with water and dry them thoroughly before storing them in the fridge.
Separate and cover bananas:
Mushy and brown bananas are not appetizing. To prevent bananas from becoming overripe too quickly, it's best to separate each banana from the bunch and wrap each one individually in plastic wrap. This helps to prevent the spread of ethylene gas, which is responsible for the process of aging. By separating and covering the bananas, you can help to extend their shelf life and keep them fresh for longer.