Let’s be honest—how many times have you dug through your fridge, only to find sad, wilted veggies that have seen better days? One of the main culprits behind this waste is overbuying and not knowing how to store our food properly.
But don’t worry! I will share some friendly, practical tips that have helped us drastically reduce food wastage and keep our veggies fresher, and longer.
Here’s what we practice at home, and I hope it helps you too!
Tip #1: Keep Your Greens Crunchy
Green leaf vegetables like lettuce, spinach, and kale can lose their crispness pretty quickly. A simple trick to extend their freshness is to store them in a container with a dry paper towel. The paper towel absorbs excess moisture, keeping the leaves crunchy and ready for your next salad.
Tip #2: Hydrate Those Stems
Stem vegetables such as asparagus, kale, chard, spring onions, and celery benefit from a little hydration. Submerge the base of these veggies in a cup with 1-2 inches of water. Just like fresh-cut flowers, they’ll stay vibrant longer. Remember to replace the water every couple of days to keep them in tip-top shape.
Tip #3: Berry Good Longevity
Berries can be a bit tricky—they seem to go bad just when you’re craving them the most. To make them last longer, remove the green parts or stems, if any, and give them a quick soak in a bath of 1 liter of water mixed with 1 tablespoon of vinegar. After soaking, tap them dry with a towel and store them in an airtight container in the fridge. You’ll be amazed at how much longer they stay fresh!
Tip #4: Herbs Need TLC Too
Herbs like cilantro, parsley, and basil contribute great flavor to our dishes, but they wilt quickly. To extend their life, wrap your herbs in a wet towel and keep them in a sealed container. The towel’s wetness helps to keep their color and flavor, making them ready for your next cooking.
Tip #5: Separate to Keep Fresh
Did you know that fruits and vegetables produce ethylene gas, which causes ripening or softening? This might be a good or negative thing, depending on how you store it. To avoid early ripening and spoilage, keep your fruits and vegetables separate in the refrigerator. This easy procedure can significantly improve the shelf life of your vegetables.
A well-organized refrigerator is a happy fridge! Items that are about to expire should be placed in the front, while those that will last longer should be kept at the back. This simple habit will help you use up foods before they spoil, decreasing waste and saving you money.
Fun Tip: save the green tips of strawberries! Place them in a container and mix them into your smoothies. It’s a simple method to get more out of your fruit and add nutritious value to your beverages.
I hope you find these tips as helpful as I do. Reducing food waste isn’t just good for our wallets and environment; it’s a great daily practice too. Let’s make the most out of our gardens and enjoy fresher, tastier meals.
Happy cooking, and let’s keep those veggies fresh!
