Eating healthy is worthwhile, but it’s not always easy.
Yet, sometimes, it almost feels like an unavoidable part of buying produce.
“Food waste strains our agricultural system, our environment, and our budgets.
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But [with] melons, you should be able to smell them from really far away.
It’s green, but it will have this warmth to the undertone of it.
The longevity of an item is also determined based on its natural hardiness.
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When you buy these, they generally stay good for longer in your fridge.
While some items should be kept cool, others are better stored at room temperature.
“Take your cue from the store itself,” advises Berens.
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For example, tomatoes should stay out on the counter while they’re still ripe.
“Do not refrigerate tomatoes until they are cut or prepared,” says Leet.
“Whole tomatoes are best left out to keep their flavor intact.”
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“Modern refrigerators are engineered with specially designed compartments for different items,” says Leet.
The proper storage method depends on the item, but one general guideline holds true for many produce types.
Don’t forget to dry your foods before popping them in the fridge.
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You don’t want to invite mold, wilting, or sprouting.
“Checking for and removing excess moisture also helps keep produce longer,” says Berens.
Use bags and paper towels for effective food storage
Properly storing food is easier than you think.
you might enlist everyday household goods to help you keep those carrots and cucumbers in peak condition.
I also have a couple of plastic shoebox-sized totes for herbs and greens,” she says.
In the freezer, I rely on heavy-duty deli containers.
They stack easily and are heatproof."
Leet says you could even repurpose the plastic bags you brought back from the grocery store.
“This ensures these items stay as fresh as when they were purchased.”
Keep an eye on your stash.
And when I have it, I pour old pickle liquid over the vegetables.
It will last a couple of rounds before it isn’t acidic enough," she says.
“Additionally, sometimes cooking the item will buy you some time.
If your greens are getting wilty, cook them down.
It will stave off rot, and then they are ready to eat.”
When it comes to buying in bulk, nothing is more effective than utilizing the freezer.
“Some fruits should be peeled before freezinglike nectarines and peaches.
And pitting your fruits before freezing saves you the headache later on.”
you could be creative with the use of frozen fruits, especially in desserts and drinks.
This helps you portion them out in the future.
And for strawberries, I make a quick pulsed strawberry sauce and freeze that to use later on.
It tastes just as bright and delicious as perfectly peak-season strawberries."
