- How to Store Fruits & Vegetables to Increase Their Shelf Life

Hello,

Your favourite girl is baaaaaaaack. Today we are going to quickly look at how we can store our fruits and vegetables to prolong their shelf life.

Eating fruits and vegetables is an essential part of a healthy diet. However, it can be challenging to keep produce fresh for an extended period, which can lead to waste and additional expenses.

Without much ado, let's look at tips on how to store fruits and vegetables to increase their shelf life and reduce waste.

1. Store in the right place - Different fruits and vegetables have different storage requirements. For example, leafy greens and herbs should be stored in the refrigerator, while root vegetables like potatoes and onions can be kept in a cool, dry place. Fruits like bananas, apples, and avocados should be kept at room temperature.
2. Keep them dry - Moisture can cause fruits and vegetables to spoil quickly, so it's important to keep them as dry as possible. Remove any excess moisture from fruits and vegetables before storing them, and avoid washing them until you're ready to use them.
3. Use proper containers - Proper containers can help to keep fruits and vegetables fresh for longer. Use airtight containers or plastic bags with holes punched in them to allow for airflow. Avoid storing produce in the grocery store plastic bags, as they can trap moisture and lead to spoilage.
4. Don't store together - Fruits and vegetables release different gases as they ripen, which can cause them to spoil more quickly if stored together. Keep fruits and vegetables separate to avoid premature spoilage.
5. Use the crisper drawer – Most of us have this compartment in our fridges but don’t use it for its intended purpose (it's me, I’m most of us T-T). A crisper drawer designed to keep fruits and vegetables fresh. Set the humidity level too high for leafy greens and low for fruits and vegetables like apples and carrots.
6. Store ethylene-sensitive produce separately - Some fruits and vegetables, like bananas and tomatoes, produce high levels of ethylene gas. Ethylene-sensitive produce, such as leafy greens and broccoli, should be stored separately to prevent premature ripening and spoilage.

Storing fruits and vegetables properly is essential for increasing their shelf life and reducing waste. By following these simple tips, you can enjoy fresh, delicious produce for longer periods and save money in the process. Remember to keep fruits and vegetables dry, use proper containers, store them in the right place, and keep them separate to ensure the longest possible shelf life.

Till next time

Love

Heidi

Meet the Author

View Profile

---

Heidi Adu

Blogger

follow me