4 Things You Should Know When Storing Fruits and Vegetables

Fruits and vegetables play an essential role in a healthy diet. But to achieve any fitness goal, it would be necessary to know how to store them properly. This simple know-how can help you make the most of the produce you buy and avoid wastage. Fruits and veggies have different tastes, structures, and nutritional values, so you should also know the differences in storing them to guarantee quality and freshness.

4 Things You Should Know When Storing Fruits and Vegetables
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So if, for example, fiber-rich vegetables like potatoes are an essential part of your diet, you must know the answers to questions like, “How long do potatoes last?” or “How must I store them?” We will be covering these tips and information on this post, so sit tight and let’s get ready to store some fruits and vegetables!

1. Know How Long They Last

It may be a force of habit for some people, but this is the last thing you should do to your fresh produce: Store them and forget that they exist. There’s no denying that everyone has been guilty of this at some point. So, what’s a good rule of thumb? Know how long each type of fruit and vegetable lasts.

Let’s start with fruits! Fruits like bananas can last 5-7 days at room temperature when ripe, and you can even expect them to last longer if you haven't bought them fully ripe yet. The same goes for apples and other fruits with wax coatings when put on the counter.

Vegetables may vary. When it comes to leafy greens like kale, spinach, and leaf lettuce, you must consume them as soon as possible. Even when they're in the fridge, they will lose their freshness. Root crops like potatoes, however, can be stored for more extended periods. 

It would come in handy to know how long these types of produce last, especially those you regularly buy.

2. Learn About the Different Ways You Can Store Them

Now that you know how long fruits and vegetables last, the next step is to learn the best ways to store them.

Shallots, Onions, and Garlic

When it comes to onions and garlic, you may display them on the counter if you’re consuming them within the next seven days. Others like to put them in a vegetable drawer or the cupboard, but these two options can lead to mold or quick spoilage. The first ideal storage option is putting them in a dry bin in the fridge. Otherwise, you can still store them in drawers or cupboards but in a brown paper bag with punched holes. The punched holes can let the onions and garlic breathe, while the paper bag prevents exposure to bacteria that can lead to spoilage.

Fruits

When in the fridge, fruits last longer if you keep them in their original packaging. You may put them in a plastic bag or container with holes where air can pass through. The plastic bag or container will prevent quick spoilage and lock in the freshness to let the fruits breathe. The crisper is your best friend when refrigerating fruits!

But of course, you are not limited to that option. You may freeze berries and freshly cut fruits to make them last longer, ready to use for your everyday smoothie or afternoon snack. Another option is storing them in a jar or bowl of water! This method will extend the storage life of lemons, limes, grapefruits, and oranges.

Vegetables

Let’s start with leafy greens. You must eat them as soon as possible, but if you won’t need them until later, put them at the back of the fridge or in the crisper. Be sure to let them breathe by gently covering them with paper napkins after rinsing and drying. Also, avoid breaking the leaves to keep them from rotting faster. These vegetables will be good on their fourth day, and some crunching greens like lettuce can last up to two weeks.

However, root crops like potatoes should not be put in the fridge, as the temperature will spike its sugar content. Instead, store them in a cool, dry place like a brown paper bag or bowl. In any dry spot with good airflow, you can expect your potatoes, turnips, yams, beets, and carrots to last much longer. 

3. Store Them Unwashed!

It makes sense to wash fresh produce before putting them in the fridge–besides, that’s where we put some of our ready-to-eat foods. However, it’s ideal for rinsing fruits and vegetables only before eating or cooking them. Fruits like apples, peaches, and nectarines have a protective wax covering that keeps them from spoiling faster. The same goes for potatoes, eggplants, and bell peppers.

There is an exception, though, for leafy greens. Leafy greens should be washed gently with water before storing them since this prevents bacteria and other contaminants from spoiling them.

4. Remember: Consume the Older Fruits and Vegetables First!

It’s easy to grab the freshest fruits and vegetables in the kitchen when you still have older ones waiting for you. That said, prioritize using the least recent produce that you still have so you can avoid wastage. After consuming the older ones, you may use the next batches of produce you bought. Just remember, save the fresher ones for last!

Fruits and vegetables are essential to your diet, so it is also necessary to store them properly. Knowing how to do this helps you save money by preventing early spoilage and food wastage. We hope this guide has been helpful, and please be sure to check out Recipes.net for more guides, recipes, and information on food!