Simple, practical tips to protect them from rapid wear.
As the price of fruits and vegetables continues to rise, many are limiting their purchases because they are perishable. However, there are ways to make them last longer, say experts from the US.
An easy solution would be to buy frozen items. “Fruits and vegetables to be frozen are picked when they are ripe,” he explains. nutritionist Dr. Christine Kirkpatrickfrom Cleveland Clinic Department of Health and Preventive Medicine in Ohio. “They’re also immediately frozen, so they have almost the same nutritional value as fresh.”
The most important advantage of frozen fruits and vegetables is that they can stay in your freezer for months.
If you prefer fresh, it is important to carefully choose the products you will buy first. Some, such as bananas, various berries and asparagus, are perishable. Others, such as apples, oranges and potatoes, take longer.
The storage method is also very important. In general, do not put fruits and vegetables in the same containers as bananas or apples. And this is because they release gases that accelerate the maturation of other species.
If you store them outside the refrigerator, be sure to store them in a dry, cool place away from sunlight.
Avoid moisture
Special attention should be paid to moisture, which spoils fresh products quickly. For this reason it is usually advisable to store them in the refrigerator without washing them. It is best to store them separately in a paper bag or in special containers/drawers of the refrigerator.
If you see mold growing on canned, small fruit (eg, berries, strawberries), throw it away immediately, Dr. Kirkpatrick. Mold (also) grows from moisture and will spoil the whole package as it releases spores if left undisturbed. That’s why you need to check them every day.
On the other hand, if you forgot fruits and vegetables in your refrigerator, don’t put them in the bottom drawers or in the back. Put them in clear containers so you can see them every time you open the door. This way you will consume them faster.