Do you buy fresh fruit and veggies every week at the grocery store only to discover they have gone bad by the time you’re ready to use them? You’re not the only one. According to the FDA, Americans waste a total of 30-40% of our total food supply. There are definitely ways to keep your produce fresh for longer, so it’s more likely to be eaten and not wasted. Here are some easy tips for optimal fruit and veggie storage.
Know What NOT to Keep in Your Fridge
Some fruits and vegetables last longer and taste better if they’re not stored in the refrigerator, and some might come as a surprise to you. Here are some foods that should be kept in a cool, dry place like a pantry or countertop, instead of the fridge.
- Bananas
- Tomatoes
- Potatoes
- Lemons
- Limes
- Oranges
- Mushrooms
- Eggplant
- Squash
Use Your Crisper Drawers
Almost every refrigerator model comes equipped with fruit and vegetable crisper drawers designed to keep your produce fresh for as long as possible. Most drawers usually have a humidity setting, so make sure you’re organizing it accordingly. If you have your crisper drawer set to the lettuce humidity marker, only keep leafy greens like lettuce, cabbage and spinach in the drawer. The other setting is for apples, onions and other more dense heavy fruit and veggies.
Wrap Veggies in Damp Paper Towels
Vegetables like asparagus and fresh herbs last longer wrapped in a damp paper towel in an airtight container. Doing this could get you up to four days more out of your more expensive veggies.
Have Your Fridge Checked
If your produce seems to be spoiling sooner than usual, there may be a problem with your refrigerator. Have the experts at Express Appliance check out your fridge to see if any repairs are needed. The better shape your fridge is in, the longer your produce will last.