How to Increase Shelf Life of Vegetables
Image Credit: Picture Courtesy: Pixabay

We reserve at least 2 days of a month to bring fresh produce home. The idea is always to use beautiful and fresh-looking cauliflower, garlic, spinach, and other veggies. However, crazy work days one after another always come in between your plan and you end up using the expired vegetables. Wilting spinach, shriveling cucumbers, and leaking tomatoes not only make your kitchen stink but also lose nutrients and are not suitable for eating. Right after buying vegetables, there is a sense of urgency to use them that captures your mind. That’s because we are aware that fresh produce does not live longer post-harvest. However, a few factors can help you increase the shelf life of vegetables. Read on to know the tricks and tips.

Buy What You Need

The very first thing to ensure is that you buy only what you require. Buying additional veggies when you already have leftover stock is not going to help. In fact, you will eventually eat these fresh items after they become stale. In addition, when you feel difficult to utilize vegetables on time, go for mixed veg or fruit salads. This way, you can consume every bit of the leftovers in a single go. 

Do Not Leave Your Veggies in Plastic Bags

Plastic bags are suffocating and thus keeping vegetables in them can damage your fresh produce. That’s why you are advised to shift them to cotton bags instead or better if you put them in the refrigerator after washing off.

Store The Right Way

Not every vegetable is meant to be stored in the refrigerator. Some need to be kept at room temperature. For example, potatoes and onion. But, never keep them together as the latter releases gases and moisture that can catalyze the sprouting of potatoes and reduce their shelf life. 

Cleanliness is The Key

Keeping your refrigerator clean is a must if you wish to keep your fruits and vegetables fresh for longer. Keep the corners clean and remove the spoilt bits of veggies on time otherwise, the entire greens will get spoiled.