Don’t wash anything before storing it
It may sound strange, but it’s actually better not to wash fruits and vegetables before storing them in the refrigerator or cupboard. If something is dirty, just wipe it clean with a dry cloth or tissue. Washing it can remove its natural defense against getting moldy and rotting.
Fruits and vegetables prefer a dry environment
Moisture only promotes the growth of mold. To combat this, place a paper towel inside the container containing the fruits or vegetables; it will absorb excess moisture and keep the product from rotting.
Don’t place certain kinds of fruits and vegetables in the refrigerator
Bell peppers, cucumbers, and tomatoes should be stored at room temperature. Peppers lose their springy consistency if kept in the refrigerator, while cucumbers and tomatoes can turn slimy.
Fruits and vegetables should not be stored in the refrigerator until they’ve ripened. Otherwise, they’ll go rotten much more quickly.
Wrap up the stalks on bananas
If bananas are stored in the refrigerator, they quickly turn black and lose their taste. It’s best to keep them at room temperature but with the stem wrapped in plastic food wrap.
Store fruits and vegetables in the warmer part of the refrigerator
The lower the temperature, the harder it is to retain the aroma and freshness of fruits and vegetables. If you want them to taste great for longer, store them in the part of the refrigerator where the temperature is slightly higher.
Broccoli and cauliflower love moisture
Broccoli is best stored by immersing the stem in cold water and covering the top with a damp towel. The water should be changed on a regular basis, and the towel should be dampened frequently.
Cauliflower should also be wrapped in a damp towel or plastic food wrap with several holes punched in it to allow for ventilation.
Certain kinds of fruits and vegetables shouldn’t be stored together
Once certain fruits and vegetables have ripened, they begin to actively emit ethylene. Bananas, apricots, melons, pears, plums, mangoes, and tomatoes are among them.
Apples, eggplants, watermelons, potatoes, pumpkins, carrots, and broccoli are among the other fruits and vegetables that are sensitive to ethylene. They rot quickly if placed near the top of the first category. As a result, it’s best to keep these two groups separate.
Onions and potatoes go in separate places
If you store onions and potatoes in one place, the former will begin to sprout shoots and will become inedible.
Potatoes will spoil if kept in sunlight
You should never store potatoes where the sun shines directly on them. They not only start to rot, but they can become dangerous. It’s better to store them in a dry, dark place or in wooden or plastic boxes and/or baskets.
Store some apples alongside potatoes
If you put one or two apples in with your potatoes, the latter will stay fresh for longer.
Vegetables stored at room temperature require a flow of air
Vegetables shouldn’t be kept hidden away in a cupboard. They’ll spoil faster than normal under such conditions.
Instead, it’s best to store them in wooden or plastic boxes with good ventilation, or in fact anywhere where they can benefit from a flow of air.
Tomatoes should be stored with the stalk facing up
The area around the stem is the most delicate part of a tomato. This is the area where they start to decay. So store them with the stalk facing upwards, and they’ll last longer.
