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Each type of produce requires a different storage method, which not everyone knows. Today, PasGo will share some secrets to help you keep your fruits fresh for longer.
Busy schedules may prevent you from going to the market daily. Therefore, you resort to storing fruits gradually. However, even when stored in the refrigerator, they still wither quickly, becoming unusable after a short time. The reason is improper storage. Each type of produce has different storage methods and moisture requirements. Below are some handy tips to keep your fruits fresh for longer.
Various Ways to Store Fruits and Vegetables in the Refrigerator
- Do not wash fruits and vegetables before putting them in the refrigerator
Each type of produce has a natural protective layer. Washing them before storage unintentionally removes their natural ability to resist decay. If the produce is too dirty, you can use a cloth or paper towel to wipe them off.
- Store fruits and vegetables at the appropriate temperature
The ideal temperature for storing fruits and vegetables is between 1 – 4 degrees Celsius. If the temperature is too low, the produce can freeze, while temperatures above 4 degrees Celsius provide favorable conditions for bacteria to thrive, leading to discoloration, spoilage, and rot in fruits and vegetables.
- Store fruits and vegetables separately
Fruits and vegetables are divided into two distinct groups: the ethylene-producing group (such as bananas, mangoes, plums, mangoes, tomatoes...) and the ethylene-sensitive group (such as apples, pears, watermelon, potatoes, pumpkins, carrots...). Placing these two groups together will cause the ethylene-sensitive group to ripen and spoil quickly. Therefore, to keep them fresh for longer, it's best to store each type separately.
- Use mesh bags to store fruits and vegetables
The freshest vegetables, such as leafy greens without an outer skin, require a high humidity level of 80 – 95%, while the humidity in the refrigerator is only about 65%. Therefore, you can use mesh bags to prevent vegetables from losing moisture when placed in the refrigerator. However, for some vegetables, such as mushrooms, which consist mainly of water, like straw mushrooms, you should not store them in mesh bags as they will quickly become slimy and spoiled. Instead, using paper bags is the most effective solution.
Specific preservation methods for commonly encountered fruits and vegetables
- Avocado
If the avocado is not ripe, wrap it in a newspaper or place it in a thick paper bag and leave it outside until it ripens. Then, remove the paper or newspaper, place it in a mesh bag, and store it in the refrigerator. This method helps keep the avocado fresh for longer, avoiding premature ripening.
- Banana
Avoid storing bananas in the refrigerator as they prefer room temperature. If kept in the fridge, bananas will quickly turn dark and lose their original delicious flavor. Wrap the stem of the banana with cling film and store it in the room instead.
- Grapes
To preserve grapes, remove any spoiled ones, divide them into small clusters, and place them in plastic bags before storing them in the refrigerator. This method will keep the grapes fresh and juicy as if they were just purchased.
- Lettuce
A clever trick to keep lettuce fresh all week is to use 3 sharp toothpicks inserted into the lettuce stem. The toothpicks will retain water, keeping the lettuce moist and ensuring it stays fresh all week without drying out.
- Chives, herbs, asparagus, and cauliflower
Remove any wilted or rotten leaves, then place chives, herbs, asparagus, and cauliflower in a small glass with about 4-5 cm of water and store at room temperature, not in the refrigerator. For cauliflower, wrap the florets in cling film, making sure to poke holes for air circulation. The cauliflower will stay fresh and green, without wilting.
- Onions, garlic, potatoes
Onions, garlic, and potatoes are prone to rotting and spoilage when exposed to direct bright light. Therefore, you should store them in low-light conditions, such as in a paper bag with air holes or in plastic bags or baskets. For potatoes, you can also store them with one or two apples to help them stay fresh longer.
Here are some suggestions from PasGo to help you properly preserve fruits and vegetables. Wishing you and your family always have delicious meals, ensuring quality with fresh fruits and vegetables!
Compiled by Thanh Mai – PasGo.vn
