Pulling out your ingredients only to find them wilted or expired happens often in the kitchen. It’s one of the primary sources of food waste and can be frustrating. But it’s also a sign that streamlining your storage methods is necessary. Here are 15 genius hacks to make food and drink last longer.
Store Your Leafy Greens with a Paper Towel
If you want to eat healthy and delicious salads, keeping your greens fresh is necessary. One way of preventing wilting and spoilage is using the paper towel method. After washing and drying your produce thoroughly, have a dry paper towel at the bottom of your storage container, then put the greens on top. Once you store your ingredients, always check on them and replace the paper towels as often as needed.
Wrap the Stems of Your Bananas to Slow Down Ripening
The sure way to make your bananas last longer is to wrap the stem in plastic wrap or foil. Don’t forget to re-cover after removing one from the stem for consumption. A rule of thumb is to keep them where the temperature is 54°F. On the counter, away from sunlight, is a perfect option. You can prolong their shelf life by refrigerating, but the peels will turn dark.
Keep Your Apples Separate from Other Fruits and Vegetables
Like bananas, apples release ethylene, which hastens the ripening process of other farm produce. When mixed with different fruits and vegetables, particularly ethylene-sensitive ones like broccoli, they can cause faster spoilage. Also, ensure the storage container you choose has good ventilation to allow air to circulate.
Avoid Refrigerating Your Tomatoes
Many prefer to refrigerate their tomatoes, as it prolongs their shelf life. That’s because the cold temperature slows down the ripening process. However, it can also seriously damage their quality and taste. Cold temperatures deactivate enzymes that release flavor compounds, leaving your tomatoes less flavorful.
Wash Berries in Vinegar
Vinegar’s acidic properties can kill germs and prevent the growth of bacteria and fungi. So, adding vinegar to the water you use to wash your berries will keep them fresh for longer. Ensure you dry the fruits before storing them in the fridge. If you don’t have vinegar, baking soda is a perfect alternative.
Wrap Celery in Foil
Celery releases ethylene gas naturally, which can increase spoilage if not stored correctly. Wrapping it in aluminum foil, which allows the ripening hormone to escape, is the best way to preserve and keep it fresh for longer. Add a layer of protection by putting a damp paper towel on the foil before wrapping it up for storage.
Keep Garlic Out of the Fridge
Garlic’s shelf life lasts longer if kept in a cool, dry place, not in the refrigerator. The cloves should remain unpeeled and can last several weeks. The fridge’s damp environment can cause them to sprout, lose taste, and develop mold. If you want to keep garlic in the refrigerator, unpeel it and store it in an airtight container. But even then, you should use it within a week.
Store Your Mushrooms in a Paper Bag
Ninety percent of mushrooms are water, so they are a great addition to your diet, thanks to the low calories. However, the high water content also means they can spoil easily when kept at a cool temperature. To avoid spoilage, the best way to store them is unwashed in a breathable paper bag. Add a paper towel to absorb any moisture in the paper bag to prolong their shelf life further.
Store Your Onions and Potatoes Separately
Never store your onions and potatoes in the same drawer or basket. The ethylene gas onions release can cause sprouting or faster spoilage in potatoes. Also, both produce moisture, so storing them together will hasten spoilage. They can survive longer in an airy pantry, but only if kept in separate bins.
Treat Your Fresh Herbs Like a Bouquet
The best way to prolong the freshness of herbs like parsley is to treat them like a bouquet. Prepare them by removing ties or rubber bands and washing them properly. Cut the bottom, place them in a glass or jar, and add about an inch of water. Keep the top of your “bouquet” loosely covered and change the water regularly. This will keep them fresh for up to three weeks.
Freeze Fresh Milk
You can safely store your milk for up to three months in the freezer without losing its flavor or nutritional benefits. It’s a great way to prolong its shelf life, reduce food waste, and retain quality. Once thawed, which should be done in cold water rather than at room temperature, consume the milk within three days.
Make Yoghurt Ice Lollies
Afraid your yoghurt is close to its expiration date? You can easily freeze your drink to extend its shelf life. Making yogurt lollies is a great way to prevent them from going bad. Mix your yogurt with your favorite fruit (strawberry is a good option) and add some flavors, like honey. Transfer it into an ice lolly mold and put it in the freezer. It offers a tasty, refreshing treat, especially in the summer.
Freeze Vegetables to Make Smoothies
The best way to preserve your produce for smoothies is by freezing it. The process maintains the nutrients and thickens the texture, giving you a healthier, creamier smoothie. You’ll also prevent food waste and save money, especially when you buy on sale. Many fruits and vegetables, including berries, spinach, and lettuce, do exceptionally well when frozen whole.
Store Fresh Mozzarella in Water
Mozzarella should be consumed as soon as possible; ideally, the day it’s bought, for the best taste and texture. If you can’t use it the same day, you can safely store the remaining portion for later use. Once you open it, add water to the container, store it submerged in water (add salt for optimal protection), and ensure the ball is half-submerged.
Invest in an Ethylene Absorber
Combat the possible impacts of ethylene-producing fruits by investing in ethylene absorbers. It’s an eco-friendly way to extend the shelf life of your produce, keeping it fresh longer. This will improve food preservation, prevent waste, and save you from potential financial losses.
