HAVE you been storing your vegetables properly? Storing vegetables isn’t just about putting them in the fridge right after returning from the grocery store. There are a multitude of ways to keep your veggies lasting longer in the fridge.
Here are some pointers on how to better store your vegetables.
- Do NOT store fruits and vegetables together. Some fruits produce ethylene gas which speeds up the ripening process. This can lead to premature spoiling.
- It’s best to store most vegetables whole and only cut them up when needed.
- When putting away vegetables, make sure not to pack them too tightly. Vegetables need ventilation, otherwise, they’ll spoil faster.
- If you’re storing bagged vegetables in the fridge, make sure that the bags have holes in them to allow the vegetables to ‘breathe.’
Broccoli
Having a problem with broccoli spoiling too fast? Try wrapping it in aluminium foil. The broccoli will last longer this way.
Carrot
When storing carrots in the fridge, make sure to remove all the green bits. The leaves will actually absorb more moisture from the carrot and cause it to dry out.
Keep carrots fresh and crunchy by storing them in an airtight container with cold water. When the water starts to look dirty, make sure to change the water to keep the carrots fresh. With this method, the carrots should stay crunchy for a week.
Cucumber
When storing cucumbers, it’s best to store them at temperatures between 12-15°C. Anything below 10°C may result in cucumbers being damaged from the cold.
Lettuce
To keep it from rotting prematurely, make sure to wrap lettuce in some paper towels before putting it in the fridge.
Mushrooms
Mushrooms should not be washed until its use. Mushrooms will absorb any liquid they come in to contact with and this will prevent them from absorbing any other flavours when they’re cooked.
If you really want to clean them, give them a really quick rinse or wipe them clean with a damp paper towel.
Onions
Avoid storing onions and potatoes together. The two release gases that will cause each other to spoil faster.
Okra
If you’re having problems with okra rotting because of too much moisture, make sure to wrap them in paper towels before storing them in the fridge. Also, if you’re putting them in bags, make sure that the bag has holes in them.
Spinach
Go through your purchase before storing them in the fridge. Make sure to throw out any leaves that have shown signs of rot to prevent it from spreading.
Store your spinach in a container lined with paper towels. The paper towels will absorb an excess moisture from condensation.
Do you have any of your own tips that have worked? Share them in the comments!
