This post may contain affiliate links.
Once you bring them home produce from the supermarket, keeping those perishables fresh can be tricky. With rising grocery costs, it’s more important than ever to make sure the food you buy lasts as long as possible. The good news? There are simple, effective ways to extend your groceries’ shelf life and save money. Here are 16 useful tips to help you do just that.
Avoid Pre-Washing Produce
Image Credit: Deposit Photos
Although it may seem convenient, washing fruits and vegetables before storage can add moisture, leading to quicker spoilage. It’s best to wash them right before you eat them.
Shop the Frozen Aisle
Image Credit: Deposit Photos
Switching to frozen fruits and veggies can be a practical solution if you’ve had to toss out unused produce. Frozen options retain similar nutritional benefits as fresh ones but last much longer.
Freeze Produce When Fresh
Image Credit: Deposit Photos
Preserve your fresh fruits and vegetables when they are fresh by freezing them. It is usually the best time to retain their freshness over a long period of time.
Know Which Produce to Store Separately
Image Credit: Deposit Photos
Not all fresh produce should be stored together. Some fruits and vegetables release ethylene gas, which speeds up the ripening and spoiling process of others.
Keep Your Fridge Organized
Image Credit: Deposit Photos
A cluttered fridge can block airflow, creating warm spots that cause food to spoil faster. Regularly clean and organize your fridge to prevent mold from spreading and keep your food fresh.
Make a Vegetable Stock
Image Credit: Homestead How-To
Save leftover vegetable scraps to make homemade vegetable stock. Gather the scraps in a bag and store them for future use in flavorful stock.
Refrigerate Fruits
Fruits like apples and oranges last longer when stored in the fridge. Keeping them cool doesn’t affect their taste but helps extend their freshness.
Wrap Leafy Greens in Paper Towels
Image Credit: Deposit Photos
Wrapping leafy vegetables in paper towels helps absorb excess moisture, keeping them fresh and crisp for longer.
Keep Fruits and Vegetables Whole
Image Credit: Deposit Photos
To maximize the nutritional benefits of your fruits and vegetables, wait to cut them until you’re ready to use them. Slicing into produce exposes it to air, which can cause it to spoil more quickly. Keeping them whole helps preserve their freshness and nutrients longer.
Blend Overripe Fruits into Smoothies
Image Credit: Deposit Photos
If your fruits are ripening too quickly, blend them into a smoothie. It’s a tasty way to use up fruits that are past their prime.
28 Smoothie Bowls That Taste Like Pure Dessert for Breakfast
Separate Bananas
Image Credit: Deposit Photos
To slow down the ripening process, separate your bananas and wrap the stems with plastic wrap. This can help them stay fresh longer.
26 Sweet Banana Recipes to Use Up That Ripe Bunch
Inspect Fruits Before Storing
Image Credit: Deposit Photos
Check your fruits for any signs of spoilage before putting them away. Removing bad fruits can help prevent the rest from spoiling.
Air Dry Fresh Herbs
Image Credit: Deposit Photos
Fresh herbs often have a short shelf life. To keep them fresher for longer, let them air dry on a paper towel when you bring them home.
Use Airtight Containers
Image Credit: Homestead How-To
If you need to cut and store fruits or vegetables before using them, make sure to seal them properly to prevent air from reaching the exposed flesh. Storing food in resealable and airtight containers can help keep it fresh by preventing moisture and air from spoiling it.
Choose Clear Containers
Image Credit: Deposit Photos
Using clear containers makes it easy to see what’s inside, encouraging you to use your food before it goes bad.
How to Reduce Your Grocery Bill
Image Credit: Deposit Photos
Let’s face it—the rising cost of food is straining our budgets. As inflation continues to drive up the prices of groceries and everyday goods, many of us feel the financial squeeze, especially when we hit the supermarket. Here are 21 effective ways to cut down on your grocery expenses.
How to Reduce Your Grocery Bill
12 Best Places to Grocery Shop on a Budget
Image credit: Deposit Photos
Since groceries make up a significant portion of our budget, finding the best places to shop on a budget is more important than ever. So, here are 12 fantastic places to shop for groceries that will help you save money, whether you’re shopping for yourself or the family.
12 Best Places to Grocery Shop on a Budget
12 Things You Should Stop Buying at the Grocery Store
Image Credit: Deposit Photos
Here are 12 items you should stop buying at the grocery store and why. Making more informed choices can save money, reduce waste, and feel better about your consumption.
12 Things You Should Stop Buying at the Grocery Store