It’s no secret that Americans arewasteful, especially when it comes to food.
Nonetheless, the statistics are always staggering.
Every day, Americans throw away enough food to fill an entire 90,000-seat football stadium.
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Of course, some foods tend to wind up in the trash more than others.
7 Secret Tricks To Extending Food Expiration Dates
Carrots
Bugs Bunny would be ashamed.
The famous cartoon character’s trademark snack is nutritious, delicious, and pretty darn hardy, too.
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Yet, 14% of survey takers copped to tossing them out.
What’s up withthat, doc?
Yet, this new survey suggests that we’re not eating enough!
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About 15 percent of respondents cited meat among their most commonly wasted foods.
The relatively short fridge life probably plays a role in that.
Eggs
Here’s another head-scratcher.
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Eggs can last three to four weeks in the fridge, according toUSDA.
In fact, they often outlast their “sell by” dates.
Deli items
You were really looking forward to that ham sandwich.
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This happens all too fast.
Eat it within three to five days or it’s a lost cause.
About 16% of survey takers found out the hard way.
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Avocado
The avocado can be a finicky thing.
One day, it’s bright green, rock hard, and impossible to crack.
The next day, it’s jet black with sagging skin and a mushy brown mess inside.
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Figure out what to do with that other half, or forget it.
No wonder that 17% of survey respondents end up pitching them.
Use lemon juice and plastic wrap to help preserve any uneaten halves.
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Want your loaf to last longer?
Americans consumed over 15 pounds per person in 2022, according toStatista.
When stored properly, the hardy apple can stay fresh up to four to six weeks in the refrigerator.
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The ethylene gas can quickly spoil adjacent foods, too.
If you’re storing them in your kitchen, that could be part of the problem.
Bananas should be kept around 53 degrees Fahrenheit, according to international fruit giantDole.
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In a warmer environment, they can ripen too quickly.
“A darker room without direct sunlight is ideal,” the company advises.
Lettuce
How many times has this happened to you?
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You pick up a package of fresh leafy greens, enough to prepare multiple salads over the coming days.
But the lettuces don’t last beyond the first bowl.
By round two, they’ve turned smelly and slimy.
