You probably know that eating a wide range of fresh fruits and veggies is important. But filling your fridge with produce can quickly lead to food waste, especially if you only go grocery shopping once a week. Before you know it, you’re left with black bananas, slimy spinach, and mushy avocado. With more knowledge and a little planning, though, you can keep produce fresher, longer.
Keep certain produce dry
Most produce stores best in cold, moist (not wet) conditions like a refrigerator. But some produce is susceptible to extreme cold and actually lasts longer when stored at around 55 F in your kitchen or pantry. These items include:
- cucumbers
- eggplant
- onions, garlic, and shallots
- peppers
- potatoes
- squash
- tomatoes
Remember that even though potatoes and onions taste great together, they don’t store well together. Potatoes release moisture that will quickly spoil onions.