How to Help Produce Last Longer

Are you wondering how to help your produce last longer? In this post by Great Harvest of Newtonville, MA, we’ll give you some tips on how to help your produce stay fresh for more days to avoid food going to waste.

Dry Produce Before Storing

The first step to help your produce last longer is how you store it. First, wash and dry it as thoroughly as possible. It’s good for your produce to have moisture; otherwise, it will dry out before you have a chance to eat it, but too much moisture or wetness can cause it to become mushy.

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Some Produce Does Better in Water

There are some notable exceptions to the moisture rule; for example, carrots, potatoes, and celery that have been cut are best kept in a jar or container filled with water to keep them nice and crunchy. On the other hand, asparagus likes to be stored with its stems in water like a bouquet of flowers; just make sure to trim the stems before putting them in a jar and inside the fridge.

Give Everyone Their Space

Another essential thing to remember to help your produce last longer is to give everyone their own space. Giving space to produce inside your crisper drawer is the best way to ensure there will be enough airflow to keep moisture controlled and mold at bay, and that way helps your produce last for longer.

Do the Herb Swaddle

The herb swaddle is a well-known technique for keeping your herbs like thyme or sage fresh for longer. To swaddle your herbs, first, wash them gently to remove any dirt or debris they might have. Then, pat them dry with paper towels to remove as much moisture as possible. Once they’re dry, arrange them on a moist paper towel and roll them up. Place the roll in a Ziploc bag and store them in the fridge for up to 2 weeks.

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Use Paper Towels

Paper towels are great for removing moisture from produce. For produce such as spinach and different types of lettuce, putting paper towels inside the bag or container, you’re storing them in can help catch some of the moisture they produce and help them last longer in the fridge.

About Keeping Fruit in the Fridge

There are two types of fruit that do well when kept in the fridge. The first kind is fruit that is already ripe. Storing it in the refrigerator is the best way of delaying its ripening and keeping it fresh for longer. The other fruits that do well in the fridge are citruses like oranges, tangerines, and lemons.

Use Your Freezer

If you feel like you won’t finish your produce before it goes bad, a great option is to freeze it. The best way to do so is by freezing it when it’s already ripe and ready to be eaten. Before you store your produce, blanch your vegetables to help them retain their nutrients, flavor, and color for longer. Spread you reproduce on a sheet pan and once they’re completely frozen, place them in a container or freezer bag. Tip: For fruit like apples and nectarines, slice them and spray them with lemon juice to avoid them turning brown in the freezer.

How to Store Bread

Even though bread isn’t a type of produce, it’s still a good idea to know how to make it last longer. The basics of storing bread are never to store it while it’s still hot, use a breathable bag for storage (preferably some type of cloth bag) and avoid storing it in plastic as it can cause it to mold or dry out. Another great tip for storing bread is to do so in a bread box and place it somewhere cool and dry. If your feel your bread is close to going bad, you can always freeze it and store it for up to six months.

We hope this post gives you the information to make your produce last longer. If you’re looking for the best bread in Newtonville, MA, your best option is Great Harvest Bread Co. Their menu is full of delicious sandwiches made with premium and nutritious ingredients. Give them a call at 617-928-1162 to place your order!