7 Clever Kitchen Hacks That Will Save You Time And Effort In Daily Chores

In the bustling world of culinary adventures, every home cook encounters little kitchen challenges that can sometimes leave them scratching their heads. From tomatoes turning lacklustre in the fridge to stubborn eggshell pieces clinging on, these small inconveniences can test even the most seasoned chefs. But fear not, as we come to the rescue with a collection of clever kitchen hacks that will revolutionise the way you tackle these pesky problems.

Read also: The 5 Top Herbs That You Can Grow In Kitchen Containers

7 Kitchen Hacks That You Need To Know

Extending Tomato Shelf Life:

Tomatoes are a versatile and flavorful ingredient used in various dishes, but they have a relatively short shelf life. To slightly prolong the freshness of your tomatoes, try storing them upside down. The rationale behind this hack is that the stem area is the weakest point of the tomato, and when stored upside down, the air is less likely to enter through the stem, reducing the chances of premature spoilage.

However, it's important to note that while this hack may provide a marginal extension of shelf life, it's still recommended to consume fully ripened tomatoes as soon as possible to enjoy their peak flavour and texture. Ripe tomatoes should ideally be eaten within a couple of days after purchase or harvest for the best taste.

Ripening Tomatoes in the Fridge:

If you happen to have unripe tomatoes that need to ripen, there's a helpful trick to hasten the process. Place the tomatoes on the top shelf of your fridge, preferably near the door. The temperature near the door is usually slightly warmer than the rest of the fridge, making it conducive to ripening the tomatoes a bit faster. However, be cautious not to leave them in the fridge for too long, as cold temperatures can adversely affect their texture and taste. It's best to check on them regularly and transfer them to room temperature once they reach the desired level of ripeness.

Easy Eggshell Peeling:

Boiling eggs is a common kitchen task, but peeling the shells can sometimes be a hassle. To ensure a seamless peeling experience, add a pinch of baking soda to the water while boiling the eggs. The alkaline nature of baking soda raises the water's pH level, which helps break down the proteins in the egg whites. As a result, the egg whites separate more easily from the shell, making peeling a breeze. This hack is particularly useful when preparing boiled eggs for salads, sandwiches, or other dishes where presentation matters.

Secure Cutting Board:

When chopping and slicing ingredients on a cutting board, it can be annoying when the board slides around on the countertop, potentially causing accidents. A simple remedy for this is to place a wet paper towel or a damp cloth underneath the cutting board. The moisture creates a temporary grip between the board and the counter, keeping it steady and stable during food prep. This hack is especially useful when working with heavy and slippery ingredients or when using a lightweight cutting board.

Tear-Free Onion Chopping:

Onions are notorious for triggering tears while chopping, but there's a smart hack to minimise this pungent inconvenience. Before you start cutting an onion, place it in the freezer for about 10–15 minutes. The brief exposure to cold temperatures slows down the release of irritants, such as sulphur compounds, which are responsible for making your eyes water. While this trick doesn't completely eliminate the risk of tears, it significantly reduces the intensity of the onion's tear-inducing effects, making chopping a more comfortable experience.

Removing Eggshell Pieces:

When preparing eggs, one common challenge is removing tiny shell fragments that sometimes find their way into the egg whites or yolks. These stray eggshell pieces can be tricky to pick out with a spoon or fork, and attempting to do so may risk breaking the yolk or causing an unnecessary mess. Fortunately, there's a simple and effective hack to solve this problem. By lightly wetting your fingers with water, the moisture creates a slightly tacky surface on your skin.

When you touch the eggshell fragments, they adhere to your dampened fingers due to the surface tension between the water and the shell. As a result, the wayward eggshell pieces stick to your fingers, allowing you to easily pluck them out of the egg whites or yolks without any fuss. This hack is a quick and convenient way to ensure that your eggs are free of any pesky shell fragments, leaving you with a pristine and hassle-free cooking experience.

Preserving The Herbs:

This method involves treating herbs like fresh-cut flowers. After trimming the ends of the herb stems, place them in a container or glass with a few inches of water. Cover the herbs loosely with a plastic bag, ensuring they have room to breathe. By doing so, the herbs can absorb moisture from the water, keeping them hydrated and fresh.

This method is ideal for delicate herbs like cilantro, parsley, and mint. When stored properly, herbs can stay fresh for about 2–3 days, making them readily available for use in various dishes. For a longer preservation period, wrapping herbs in a damp cloth is an excellent technique. First, dampen a clean cloth or paper towel with water, ensuring it's not soaking wet but just slightly moist. Lay the herbs on the damp cloth and gently wrap them, creating a neat bundle.

Place the wrapped herbs in a resealable plastic bag or an airtight container and store them in the refrigerator. This method is suitable for heartier herbs like rosemary, thyme, and sage. The damp cloth creates a humid microenvironment around the herbs, preventing them from drying out. When stored this way, herbs can stay fresh for up to 5–6 days, giving you ample time to incorporate their flavours into your dishes.