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Proper food storage is essential for maintaining the quality of your fruits and vegetables while preventing unnecessary waste. When you store produce correctly, you not only preserve its nutrients and freshness but also reduce trips to the grocery store. Let’s explore the best ways to store your fruits and veggies so they stay delicious longer!

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Why Proper Food Storage Matters

Storing fruits and vegetables properly helps:

  • Reduce food waste: When you store produce correctly, it stays fresher longer, which means you’re less likely to throw away spoiled food.
  • Save money: Longer-lasting produce reduces the frequency of trips to the store, saving you money in the long run.
  • Preserve nutrients: Proper storage prevents nutrient loss, keeping your produce healthier and more nourishing for you and your family.

It's time to start storing your produce properly! 

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Counter Storage (Room Temperature)

Some fruits and vegetables do better at room temperature:

  • Bananas: Store bananas away from other fruits, as they emit ethylene gas (I'll go over this further down the blog) which can cause nearby produce to ripen faster and spoil.
  • Tomatoes: Keep tomatoes on the counter until they ripen fully. Once ripe, move them to the fridge to slow further ripening and extend their freshness.
  • Citrus Fruits: Oranges, lemons, and limes can be kept on the counter but will stay fresh longer if refrigerated after a few days.
  • Avocados: Leave unripe avocados on the counter to soften. Once they reach the desired ripeness, refrigerate to slow further softening.

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Refrigerated Storage

Certain produce items thrive in cooler environments:

  • Leafy Greens: Store in a breathable bag or container lined with a paper towel to soak up excess moisture, which helps prevent wilting and spoilage.
  • Berries: Avoid washing berries before storing as moisture can promote mold growth. Use a ventilated container or paper towel-lined container to reduce humidity.
  • Carrots & Celery: Keep them submerged in water-filled jars in the fridge to maintain their crunch and hydration.
  • Apples: Store apples in the fridge to prevent them from becoming mealy. Keep them separate from greens and berries as they produce ethylene gas.

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Freezer Storage

Freezing fruits and vegetables can help extend their shelf life significantly:

  • Berries: If buying fresh berries to freeze, lay them in a single layer on a baking sheet to freeze individually before transferring them into a freezer bag. This prevents clumping.
  • Leafy Greens: Blanch greens like spinach and kale before freezing to retain their color, texture, and nutrients.
  • Vegetables: Chop and blanch vegetables like broccoli, carrots, and green beans before freezing to preserve their texture and nutritional value.

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Separating Ethylene-Producing Fruits

Some fruits emit ethylene gas, which can speed up ripening of nearby produce. To prevent premature spoilage, keep ethylene-sensitive produce away from high ethylene producers:

  • High Ethylene Producers: Bananas, apples, pears, peaches, avocados, tomatoes. These release a significant amount of ethylene gas, which can cause sensitive produce to spoil faster.
  • Ethylene Sensitive: Leafy greens, berries, carrots, broccoli, cucumbers. These fruits and vegetables are prone to premature spoilage when stored near high ethylene producers.

For example, keep apples and bananas separate from leafy greens and berries to prevent them from ripening too quickly or spoiling. Using separate storage compartments or containers can help minimize this effect.

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Use Airtight Containers or Produce Bags

  • Airtight Containers: Use airtight containers for chopped fruits and vegetables to prevent moisture loss and retain freshness.
  • Reusable Produce Bags: These bags maintain humidity levels, making them ideal for greens and herbs while keeping them crisp and hydrated.
  • Stashers Ziplock Bags:  Stasher bags are reusable silicone storage bags free from harmful chemicals like BPA. They're ideal for storing cut vegetables, preventing leaks, and keeping food fresh while being easy to clean and durable.
  • Beeswax Wrap: Beeswax wraps are reusable, eco-friendly alternatives to plastic wrap made from fabric coated in beeswax. They mold around food and containers with the warmth of your hands, keeping produce fresh longer.
  • Round Clear-Topped Food Saver Containers: These containers are designed to store cut produce like onions, tomatoes, and avocados while keeping them fresh. Their airtight seal and clear lid make it easy to see the contents, while the shape prevents oxidation and minimizes food waste.

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How to Store Cut Vegetables

When you've cut up vegetables and have some left over, proper storage helps maintain freshness and prevent waste:

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Additional Storage Hacks to Prevent Mold

  • Vinegar Wash: Rinse berries in a solution of water and vinegar (1:3 ratio) before storing. This natural solution helps kill bacteria and mold spores, prolonging freshness.
  • Paper Towels: Line containers with paper towels to absorb excess moisture, which can help prevent mold growth, especially in berries and leafy greens.
  • Proper Airflow: Avoid overcrowding produce in containers, as proper air circulation can prevent moisture buildup and mold formation.

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Tips for Extending Freshness Further

  • Herbs: Store upright in a jar with water, like a bouquet. Cover loosely with a plastic bag for best results.
  • Potatoes & Onions: Store both in a cool, dark place but keep them separate, as onions emit gases that can cause potatoes to sprout faster.
  • Pre-cut Veggies: Store pre-cut vegetables in airtight containers and consume within a few days to maintain optimal freshness.

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Key Takeaways

Learning how to properly store your fruits and vegetables can make a huge difference in how long they last, ultimately saving you money and reducing food waste. Implement these tips and enjoy fresher produce all week long!

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