Here’s a great way to save money on your produce, by reading these Tips for Making Produce Last Longer. It’s better to use fresh produce as much as possible, and these easy tips will help you extend the life on your produce!
7 Tips for Making Produce Last Longer
Does it seem as though no sooner you purchase fresh produce and it is going bad? If so, take a look at these 7 tips for making produce last longer. When you give these tips a try, you can be sure the fresh produce you spend good money on will stay fresh and tasty for even longer. Who doesn’t want more bang for their produce buck? Here is how you can get started!
1. Avoid precut/pre peeled produce.
Although this kind of produce is convenient, it is not going to last as long as uncut. When produce is cut, the air hits the flesh and it starts breaking down. This will rush the rotting process. Instead, buy whole fruits and veggies and cut them yourself when you are ready to use them.
2. Try the 40 degree rule.
As a basic rule, most fruits and vegetables should be stored at 40 degrees. It is the perfect temperature to keep them fresh without freezing them. Check your refrigerator to make sure your settings aren’t too high or too low. This is an easy way for making produce last longer.
3. Try paper bag storage.
Some produce items store well in a paper bag at room temperature. Examples would be avocados, which tend to rot quickly. Buy an avocado when it is still bright green and hard, and then store it in a paper bag. It should last a good week this way. Apricots and plums also store well this way.
4. Store bananas alone.
When bananas begin to ripen, they give off a gas that can cause produce around them to rot quickly. Therefore, always store bananas by themselves. Purchase them when bright green, then allow them to rest in a bowl at room temperature until ready. Be sure to grab your banana slicer!
5. Don’t wash until ready to eat.
Don’t wash your produce until you are ready to enjoy it. This goes especially for fruits such as berries, cherries, grapes, and strawberries. It is also true for mushrooms which become slimy when wet. Instead, keep these items covered in a container and as dry as possible. Moisture will only speed up the decomposition.
6. Use the crisper.
Store your citrus fruits such as lemons, limes, and oranges in the crisper drawer. It holds the perfect amount of moisture and temperature, keeping them fresher longer. Check out this Prepworks by Progressive Fresh Fruit and Vegetable Keeper – 1.9 Quart
, a great way to keep your produce fresh!
7. Use the top shelf for heat loving produce.
Eggplant, cucumbers, and peppers like the warmer part of the fridge. This would be the top shelf. Store these items on the top shelf, where they will stay warm, dry, and last you longer.
Don’t put up with produce that rots quickly. Give these tips a try and see what a difference they make!
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