Every time you open your fridge, you either end up tossing some withered coriander or rotten tomatoes. In most households, with individuals having busy schedules, it is extremely common for people to store fresh veggies, fruits, and protein for the entire week by going grocery shopping once a week. Therefore, keeping produce fresh for days after getting them from the supermarket for a week is a challenge for probably everyone. But fret not. A few simple tricks and tips can help you keep your produce fresh for days so that you can enjoy fresh salads and sandwiches even days after hitting the grocery aisle, saving money and avoiding food wastage. How? Here’s a guide for you to bookmark.
Keeping Your Greens Fresh and Crunchy
From kale, spinach, fenugreek leaves, to curry leaves—these salad and ‘saag’ or curry essentials often wither and become limp the day right after you get them from the market. But there’s a way to avoid that. Most of our greens come in plastic bags or are tied together using a rubber band, especially in the case of mint leaves, coriander leaves, and others. Firstly, untie the rubber band and get them out of the plastic, sort through them, and remove any leaves that are turning blackish. Now, take a few paper towels and wrap them so that the excess moisture is absorbed, and keep them in a sealed vacuumed bag.
Keeping Your Root Vegetables Looking Fresh
Storing carrots, beetroots, and sweet potatoes can be a bit of a challenge. When it comes to regular potatoes or sweet potatoes, you can keep them out in the open for weeks or even months by following the right storage guidelines. Find a dry spot in your home where they won’t get direct sunlight and store them. For carrots and beetroots, trim off the green leafy part, and either keep them in a mesh bag or wrap them in a paper towel and store them in the fridge in a vacuumed bag.
Keeping Your Cauliflower and Cabbage Crisp
Usually, these two veggies stay fresh the longest. However, to keep the crispness intact, store cauliflower and cabbage in a perforated bag or plastic wrap and keep them in the fridge.
Keeping Your Citrus Fruits and Cucumber from Going Mushy
Citrus fruits are best outside until they start ripening. And when they do, make sure to put them in the fridge or slice them up and freeze them, which you can later use in your water or mocktails. For cucumbers, wash them immediately, dry off the excess moisture, and keep them in a sealed, airtight container or bag.
These are the basic guidelines when it comes to keeping your produce fresh. Always remember that fruits and veggies can go moldy in just a matter of days. And when it starts, remove the rotten part to keep the rest of the produce fresh and edible for days.