6. Berries and Their Fragile Nature: The Right Way to Store
Berries are delicate fruits that require careful storage to prevent spoilage. Before storing, sort through them and remove any that are moldy or damaged, as they can quickly affect the rest. Avoid washing berries until right before consumption, as moisture can accelerate mold growth.
Store berries in the refrigerator in a single layer on a paper towel-lined tray or container. This setup helps absorb excess moisture and allows air circulation. Some people find that placing a fresh paper towel on top of the berries can also help extend their freshness.
Citrus fruits like oranges, lemons, and limes can be stored at room temperature if you plan to consume them within a week. For longer storage, refrigeration is recommended. The crisper drawer works well, as it helps maintain the right humidity and temperature.
To prevent them from drying out, you can store citrus fruits in a mesh bag or in the produce drawer without any covering. If you find that the skin is starting to dry, consider placing them in a sealed plastic bag to retain moisture.
8. Bananas: The Right Time and Place for Ripening
Bananas are unique in that they continue to ripen after being picked. To ripen bananas, store them at room temperature, away from direct sunlight, ideally hanging from a banana hook to prevent bruising. If you want to slow down the ripening process, once they reach the desired ripeness, move them to the refrigerator.
In the fridge, the skin may turn brown, but the fruit inside will remain fresh for a few more days. If bananas become overripe, consider peeling and freezing them for use in smoothies or baking.
9. Avocados: From Firm to Perfectly Ripe
Avocados are often bought firm and need some time at room temperature to ripen. Place them in a paper bag with an apple or banana to speed up the ripening process, as these fruits release ethylene gas that promotes ripening. Once ripe, avocados can be stored in the refrigerator to slow down further ripening.
If you have leftover avocado, sprinkle the cut surface with lemon juice to prevent browning and cover it tightly with plastic wrap before refrigerating. This can help maintain its freshness for an additional day or two.
10. Root Vegetables: Long-Term Storage Techniques
Root vegetables like carrots, beets, and parsnips benefit from cool and humid storage conditions. Remove any leafy tops, as these draw moisture from the roots, and store them in a perforated plastic bag or a container with a lid in the refrigerator’s crisper drawer.
For longer storage, root vegetables can be kept in a cool, dark cellar or basement in a box filled with sand or sawdust, which helps maintain moisture levels and prevents sprouting.
11. The Dos and Don’ts of Storing Fresh Herbs
However, for herbs like basil, which can turn black in the cold, it’s better to store them at room temperature using the same water method. Change the water every few days to keep it fresh and discard any leaves that have started to wilt or decay.
