1. Home
  2. Self

How to keep fruits and veggies fresh for weeks

By Scott Harris
Image used with permission by copyright holder

The statistics are clear: Americans waste a lot of food. In fact, the United States is the world’s most wasteful country, tossing out a combined 80 billion pounds of food annually. Another study found that the average household wastes a whopping $1,866 worth of food each year.

A lot of this food waste comes from fresh fruits and vegetables, which can spoil more quickly than other foods. The storage process is also more complicated when it comes to fresh produce, with different fruits and vegetables having different criteria for maintaining peak freshness.

Recommended Videos

Are you looking to make a dent in your food waste? This quick and simple guide will help you separate fact from fiction, so you can ensure your produce lasts as long as possible.

Stokkete/Shutterstock

In the refrigerator

Citrus fruits often wind up on the counter, when in reality, the fridge should be their home within your home. Although their thick peels might lull you into a false sense of security about their durability, lemons, limes, grapefruits, and other citrus fruits maintain freshness when chilled. While they make great decor for the kitchen table, consider a vase of flowers or fake fruit for your table’s centerpiece.

Alongside citrus fruits, keep the following foods chilled in the fridge as well:

  • Apples
  • Beets
  • Berries
  • Broccoli
  • Cabbage
  • Carrots
  • Cauliflower
  • Celery
  • Cucumbers
  • Grapes
  • Leafy greens like kale and Swiss chard
  • Lettuce

On the counter

One of the most controversial topics in food storage is the humble tomato.

Many people store tomatoes in the refrigerator without thinking much about it, but according to experts, this is a miscalculation, plain and simple. Tomatoes that are left in the fridge over time become wrinkled, losing their bright flavors and crisp, juicy texture. To get the most out of your tomatoes, store them at room temperature, right on the counter.

In addition to tomatoes, the following items should be kept on the counter:

  • Bananas
  • Garlic
  • Onions
  • Potatoes
  • Squash
  • Sweet potatoes

A little of both

There are many fruits and vegetables that benefit from a hybrid approach, so they should ripen on the counter; then, once they’ve reached a peak level of ripeness, move to the refrigerator to maintain freshness and maximize shelf life. Unlike fruits like berries, citrus, and grapes, these fruits and veggies continue to ripen even after they’re picked, so it’s crucial to keep an eye on them to make sure you’re consuming them when they’re at their best.

While this may seem cumbersome at first, it doesn’t need to be an exact science. The basic rule of thumb is that if these fruits and vegetables seem ripe but you’re not ready to eat them just yet, move them to the refrigerator. It’s as simple as that. However, if the produce is ripe and you’re ready to consume it within a day or two, keep it on the counter until you’re ready to dig in.

Some fruits that can ripen on the counter or stay fresh in the fridge include:

  • Avocados
  • Corn
  • Kiwi
  • Mangoes
  • Melons
  • Peaches
  • Pears
  • Plums
  • Nectarines

Ripening these fruits on the counter ensures they reach top deliciousness. Moving them to the fridge too soon will delay or prevent that process from happening, leaving you with fruit that doesn’t taste quite as fresh or juicy.

If you’re looking to reduce food waste and grocery bills in your household, keeping fruits and vegetables fresh is an ideal place to start. Yes, different products have different storage requirements, but it’s much less complicated than it may seem. With this handy guide, you can safeguard your food-shopping dollar and enjoy all the nutritious and delicious benefits seasonal produce has to offer.

BlissMark provides information regarding health, wellness, and beauty. The information within this article is not intended to be medical advice. Before starting any diet or exercise routine, consult your physician. If you don’t have a primary care physician, the United States Health & Human Services department has a free online tool that can help you locate a clinic in your area. We are not medical professionals, have not verified or vetted any programs, and in no way intend our content to be anything more than informative and inspiring.

Editors' Recommendations

Topics
Scott Harris
Contributor
Scott Harris is a freelance writer based near Washington, DC, with more than a decade of experience covering health…
5 great mattress protectors to keep you sleeping soundly

Does your bed need an upgrade? Hint: if there’s nothing between your sheets and your mattress, it definitely does. Using a mattress protector can keep your bed clean and fresh for years to come, but did you know it can help you sleep, too?
There are lots of mattress protectors on the market today, but these ones from trusted sleep brands are lightweight and breathable, so they won’t change the feel of your bed. They’ll keep your mattress safe from all types of things you don’t want near you while you rest—think bed bugs, dust mites, bacteria, and the like—which will give you the peace of mind you need to get a good night’s sleep. Here are five we recommend:

>

Read more
How to manifest your goals with a vision board party

For most people, the beginning of the new year marks a fresh start. For some, that means starting a new fitness routine. For others, it may mean rekindling old relationships with loved ones. No matter what it means to you, holding yourself accountable is an important part of achieving your goals. Creating a vision board is an excellent way to motivate yourself. Many people host parties with their friends where they design vision boards to manifest their goals for the year. If you’re planning an upcoming vision board party, you will likely need some art supplies to kickstart it. Here is a list of some of our favorite art supplies to help you usher in the greatest year ever:

>

Read more
Keep cool in the shade with these car visors

No one should have to deal with a broken car visor that constantly falls. This can get in the way of your view of the road and cause a severe accident. Don’t allow that to happen; instead, get a replacement with any of the car visors we have below.

A car visor is one of the most underrepresented parts of your vehicle. We always use this, especially on those days when the sun is just shining ever so brightly. This helps cool your vehicle and comes in the clutch when you need to make last-second changes to your makeup. So, get a replacement as soon as possible; we provide compatible and universal visors ready for you to explore.

Read more