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How to store fruits and vegetables in the fridge?
How to store vegetables and keep them fresh longer? If you buy fresh produce only to find it in the refrigerator wilted and rotten after a few weeks. To avoid wasting money on fresh fruits and vegetables that go bad before you have time to consume them. It is helpful to know where and how to store them and which foods to separate from one another. We will give you ideas on storing fresh fruits and vegetables to stay fresh longer. An alternative to using fresh vegetables is buying frozen fruits and vegetables, which last longer and are easy to cook while still frozen. Plus, you can stockpile your favorite frozen veggies. Frozen vegetables have the same nutritional value as fresh.
What are the ways of storing fruits and vegetables?
There are five ways to store fresh vegetables and fruit: drying, canning, curing and salting, freezing, and shared storage.
How Much Food Waste in America?
As we move forward on our sustainable journey, we have implemented ways to save food by storing it properly and not buying too much at one time. Also, we use reusable, sustainable, and non toxic containers to store our dry and cold foods, baby steps toward going green. Additionally, we have switched our diet to organic, GMO free, free range, and grass fed proteins for better health. We also order fresh organic produce from Imperfect Foods to save money and time. Imperfect foods sell food that will be discarded because it is not perfect. They offer a subscription service (skip anytime you'd like) and sell conventional and organic food products.
Related: How To Make A Simple Fruit Tray
According to the USDA, food waste is estimated at 30-40 percent of the food supply in the United States. This estimate is based on estimates from USDA's Economic Research.
….based on estimates from USDA’s Economic Research Service of 31 percent food loss at the retail and consumer levels, corresponded to approximately 133 billion pounds and $161 billion worth of food in 2010. This amount of waste has far-reaching impacts on society:
- Wholesome food that could have helped feed families in need is sent to landfills.
- Land, water, labor, energy and other inputs are used in producing, processing, transporting, preparing, storing, and disposing of discarded food.
Moreover, you can organize your kitchen with the best food storage containers and organize your pantry to optimize your space. Plus, if your kitchen is in order, you will get around your kitchen easier when cooking. Save yourself a trip to the grocery store to order fresh organic fruits and vegetables online FarmBoxDirect, and shop around for the best deal. Instead of using single use plastic products including containers use glass or a sturdy reusable one.
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Pro Tip How to store fresh vegetables and Fresh Fruit? –You can store some types of produce in the refrigerator at 40° F or below or on the counter. Although, any pre-cut or peeled produce should be kept in the fridge.
Description
Two deep stacking wire market baskets: This is a perfect storage solution for a small kitchen. You can store fruit and vegetables, kitchen utensils, towels, and cleaning products. Customize your basket title; each basket has a black metal label that allows you to write what's in your basket.
Additional Details:
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Description
100% Pure non-toxic platinum silicone, This self-sealing, non-plastic bag is nothing like traditional plastic bags. Stasher bags do not contain no BPA, no PVC, or no Latex. Therefore, your feed will be free of contaminants that are harmful to your health. Now, is the time to join the plastic free movement. Just pinch-loc seal, the bag is air-tight, you can use to keep food fresh, marinade and sous vide. These bags are dishwasher and microwave safe.
Additional Details:
On Amazon
Price: $19.99
How Long Do Vegetables Last In The Fridge?
By implementing the following storing tips, you will extend the freshness of your fruit and vegetables. Therefore, you get your money's worth and will have less waste. When store your groceries correctly is one of the best ways to make them last longer and prevent food waste. I like OXO products because they work, are inexpensive, and last a long time. I also like to use plastic free products, which are better for your health and the environment.
Pro Tip 1: Some fruits give off ethylene gas, which may speed up the ripening and rot of other produce.
How To Store Fresh Fruit And Keep Fresh Longer?
- Apples – Apples produce ethylene gas and should be stored away from other produce. You can store apples in the fridge for over a week or on the counter for up to a week.
- Avocados – Avocados will ripen when stored on the counter. To prevent all your avocados from ripening at the same store in the refrigerator.
- Bananas – Green bananas should stay on the counter and let them ripen or use a banana hanger.
- Berries – Delicate Blueberries, blackberries, strawberries, and raspberries should be washed when ready to eat. Also, keep in the refrigerator in a dry, covered container.
- Cherries & Grapes – Store in the refrigerator, unwashed, in their packaged plastic containers or non toxic plastic bags; do not wash until you are ready to eat them.
- Citrus fruit – Easily extend the shelf life of clementines, grapefruit, lemons, limes, and oranges by putting them in your crisper drawer or a mesh bag in the fridge.
- Melons – Always store cantaloupe and honeydew loose in the refrigerator before and after they are cut. Store watermelon in a dark, dry place apart from other produce. Thus, after you cut melon or watermelon, store it in the fridge.
- Stone fruit – To ripen nectarines, peaches, and plums, place them in a paper bag on the counter. Once they are ripe, store them in the refrigerator as it will prolong their life.
- Tomatoes – The refrigerator will cause tomatoes to rot; therefore, always store them at room temperature. Store loose in a fruit or vegetable bowl away from heat includes the stove or the sun.
OXO GreenSaver Herb Keeper - Large
OXO GreenSaver Herb Keeper - Small
Pro Tip: Separate the fruits and vegetables because some fruits like apples and pears release gases that can make veggies spoil faster.
How to store fresh vegetables?
- Broccoli & Cauliflower – Keep broccoli and cauliflower in a separate drawer or container from other produce.
- Celery – Store in the fridge.
- Corn – Do not remove the husk and store torn in the refrigerator.
- Cucumbers – Keep on the counter at room temperature. If stored in the refrigerator, store for 1 to 3 days. But use them as soon as you take them out of the fridge.
- Eggplant –Keep on the counter at room temperature. If stored in the refrigerator, store for 1 to 3 days. But use them as soon as you take them out of the fridge.
- Green beans – Store in the refrigerator.
- Leafy green vegetables – Greens like lettuce, collards, chard, kale, and spinach should be kept in the refrigerator.
- Onion family – Store onions and garlic in a cool, dark, and dry place like your pantry or counter, but keep it separate from other foods due to its strong odors.
- Mushrooms – Do not wash your mushrooms because they get slimy with water. Store in the refrigerator.
- Peppers – Keep on the counter at room temperature. If stored in the refrigerator, store for 1 to 3 days. But use them as soon as you take them out of the fridge.
How are potatoes stored?
Root vegetables – Store carrots, beets, and radishes in the refrigerator. Store potatoes, sweet potatoes, and winter squashes in a cool, dark, and dry place like your pantry.
Pro Tip: Separate onions and potatoes since the onions will make the potatoes sprout faster.
****Buy Organic Produce When Possible
OXO - Easy-Clean Compost Bin
Easy to clean compost-bin.
OXO - The Pro Y Peeler
