12 ways to prolong the shelf life of fruits and vegetables

Read on to know about many ways in which you can store perishable fruits and vegetables!

Fruits and vegetables are loaded with nutrients and are a must-have in everyone’s diet. However, the only problem with these nutrient bombs is that they tend to spoil quite fast. Here are some of the quick tips to properly store these foods without spending too much.

Banana

This fruit produces ethylene gas as it matures. So, cover banana stems with aluminum or plastic wrap to prevent spreading of this gas and prevent it from turning soft too quickly. This will increase the storage period of the banana to 5 days.

Onions

This vegetable rots because of the presence of moisture. So, store onions by putting them in any nylon stocking and hang it in a cool place. This will increase onion’s storage period to 6 to 8 months.

Garlic

Store garlic in a clean and dry container or a paper bag at a dark and dry place with low humidity. The whole garlic bulb can then be stored for 2 months and the separated cloves for 7 to 10 days.

Fresh herbs

You can store fresh and unwashed green herbs and asparagus but dipping the stem in a container filled with little water at room temperature. This way they can last good for 4 to 5 days.

Potatoes

Do not store potatoes in a plastic bag and instead place them in a paper bag or mesh bag. You can also store this starchy vegetable lined in an eggs tray and keep it at room temperature. This will increase its shelf life to 2 weeks.

Avocados

Store green avocados in the refrigerator after wrapping them in a paper bag or newspaper. You can prevent discoloration of avocado halves by squeezing some lemon juice over it and then storing it in the refrigerator.

Tomatoes

Ripe tomatoes have better flavor, which gets lost upon freezing. So, store tomatoes at temperatures above 50 degrees F.

Mushrooms

Store unwashed mushrooms in a paper bag with some parsley to prevent the appearance of brown spots on it as antioxidant-rich parsley prevents discoloration of these edible fungi. This way you can store mushrooms for good 4 to 5 days.

Strawberries

Disinfect the strawberries in a solution of 1 part white vinegar and 2 parts water. Drain the berries well and then place them in a colander for it to last good for 5 to 6 days. You can also remove stems from them and freeze it for 2 to 4 months.

Green leafy vegetables

Wash the leaves well in plenty of cold water and then dry them out completely. Now place the leaves in an absorbent paper before storing in the refrigerator for a couple of weeks.

Lemon

Store lemon halves by wrapping them in an aluminum foil or sprinkle some salt on the pulpy end of cut lemons and then store it in the refrigerator. This will keep the lemon fresh for a good 3 days.

Potato

Store cut potatoes in a container filled with water and a few drops of vinegar. You can then store them in the refrigerator to last good for 3 to 4 days.