Keep bananas away from other vegetables and fruits to prevent spoilage.
Produce is tricky to store because it is prone to spoilage. According to a study in 2009 by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, 34 million tons of food is discarded annually by consumers. Not only does that mean that food goes to waste, but the money that you used to purchase the food does, as well. To save yourself money and fresh produce, use a few simple methods to keep your fruits and vegetables fresher for longer. Does this Spark an idea?
Instructions
1. Use proper storage techniques to keep produce fresh for longer periods of time. Store mushrooms and okra in a paper bag out of direct sunlight and heat, but do not place them in the refrigerator. Keep fruits that produce ethylene, such as apples, cantaloupe, figs, honeydew melons, tomatoes and bananas, away from other fruits and vegetables.
2. Do not wash vegetables and fruits prior to storing in the refrigerator. Vegetables such as carrots, broccoli, cauliflower, lettuce, green onions, squash and radishes store better unwashed and in a perforated plastic bag. Washing these items adds water content, which will increase spoilage rates.
3. Place fruits in the produce drawer and vegetables in the crisper. If you do not know what produce you should refrigerate and what you should store at room temperature, pay attention to how the grocery store stores it; if the store keeps something at room temperature, then you should store it at room temperature at home. Keep your refrigerator at 40 degrees Fahrenheit or below for optimum storage.
4. Store fruits on the countertop with care. Keep fruits placed in large baskets or bowls on the countertop out of sunlight and heat, uncovered.
5. Store herbs and asparagus by cutting off the ends and placing the remaining produce in a cup of water. Cover the top with a plastic bag.
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