7 smart techniques for prolonging the freshness of fruits and vegetables

To reduce food waste and make the most of your market haul, it's essential to store your fruits and vegetables properly. Here are seven valuable tips by SSP to extend their freshness:

1. Maintain a Clean Refrigerator

Keeping your refrigerator clean prevents the growth of molds and bacteria that can contaminate your fresh produce. Ensure there is enough space for air circulation to avoid exposure to ethylene gas emitted by ripening fruits, which can speed up the decay process.

2. Store Produce Whole

Cutting fruits and vegetables exposes their flesh to air, causing quicker spoilage. Whenever possible, store them whole until you're ready to use. If necessary cut them, and ensure proper sealing to prevent air and moisture exposure. For instance, dress sliced avocados with lemon juice to maintain their freshness.

3. Keep Perishables Away from Heat

High temperatures accelerate the ripening process of fruits and vegetables. Avoid placing them near heat-emitting appliances such as stoves and toasters.

4. Opt for Dry Packaging for Mushrooms

Mushrooms tend to develop brown spots and shrink when stored in containers with trapped moisture. Store them in breathable packaging like brown paper bags to enhance their shelf life, allowing adequate air circulation.

5. Thoroughly Wash Before Storage

Washing certain produce items with a water and vinegar solution helps prevent mold buildup and bacterial growth. This solution helps eliminate pesticides and bacteria while reducing the chances of rotting. Remember to rinse the produce with clean water and pat dry before storing it.

6. Preserve Herbs in Water

Like fresh flowers, herbs need water to last longer. Store herbs like cilantro and basil by placing their stalks in water-filled jars. Mason jars can be convenient for this purpose, enabling you to preserve your herbs on countertops or in the refrigerator.

7. Understand Ethylene Sensitivity

It's advisable to separate certain fruits and vegetables during storage. Ethylene gas emission can accelerate spoilage in some produce. For example, refrain from storing apples, cherries, or blueberries together as they can impact the freshness of each other. Potatoes and onions also shouldn't be stored together as it can lead to faster rotting or sprouting. However, pairing apples with potatoes can help the latter stay fresh for a longer time. Similarly, bananas emit high amounts of ethylene gas and should be kept away from other fresh produce to avoid premature ripening and spoilage.

By following these techniques, you can optimize the shelf life of your fruits and vegetables, reduce food waste, and enjoy the full nutritional value of your produce.

Earlier, SSP told about the right way to store mushrooms for freshness and quality.