10 Tips to Make Produce Last Longer

I don’t know how many times I’ve gone to the fridge to find that some of my produce is past its prime. Throwing away that produce is like throwing away money, and who wants to do that? Especially if you are doing everything you can to make your grocery budget stretch through the month.

Because I like to do once a month grocery shopping, I have learned a few tips to make produce last longer. I can’t guarantee you’ll never have to throw away produce again, but you can make it last a little longer than before.

tips-to-make-produce-last-longer

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1. Store Onions and Potatoes Separately

Storing onions and potatoes together will guarantee that they will spoil faster. Also make sure you give them both a little breathing room. Store in a paper or mesh bag.

2. Place Green Onions in a Glass of Water in the Fridge

My dad always did this when I was a kid. It keeps them fresher, longer.

3. Take Produce Out of Plastic Before Storing in the Fridge

Plastic traps moisture and ethylene gas, so your produce will go bad much faster in a plastic bag. I take carrots, celery, and everything else out of those little plastic baggies you put them in when you purchase them from the grocery store. Take mushrooms out of plastic and store in a paper bag.

4. Bathe Your Berries

Before storing your berries in the fridge, bathe them in a solution of 1 part vinegar to 10 parts water. Rinse and store in the fridge to prevent mold.

5. Keep Apples in the Fridge

Apples in the fridge will keep longer than apples on the counter.

6. Get Rid of those Bad Apples

Any piece of bad fruit will quickly ripen any fruit that is around it and rot will happen a lot faster. Examine all of your fruit and get rid of the bad.

7. Store Delicate Herbs Like Flowers

Place delicate herbs like basil in a bunch in a cup of water.

8. Keep Those Fruits and Veggies Separate

Do not store fruits and veggies in the same crisper drawer of your refrigerator.

9. Store Fresh Greens in Glass

After you wash and spin dry your fresh greens, store them in a covered glass bowl in the fridge.

10. Buy Hearts of Romaine Instead of Iceberg Lettuce

I use hearts of romaine for the base of my salads. They usually last up to 3 weeks in the fridge before going bad.

What are some of your tips and tricks for making produce last longer?

This Post Has One Comment

  1. Kristy

    A folded paper towel in the lettuce bag absorbs moisture and it lasts even longer. Try it!

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