15 Smart Ways to Make Food Last Longer
1. Keep bananas separate from other fruit and use plastic wrap
Bananas produce a lot of ethylene gas so keep them away from other fruits to prevent them from spoiling. Also wrap the crown of a bunch of bananas in cling film or plastic wrap as a way to make them last longer.
2. Keep dry goods in air-tight containers
Dry foods like rice and pasta should be kept in airtight containers such as jars or plastic containers as a way to prevent not only air from entering but also any mites or small insects that may be around.
3. Use a vinegar solution for berries
Simply mix one part distilled vinegar to 10 parts water and rinse your berries in the solution. It's so diluted that you can't taste the vinegar and can make strawberries last up to two weeks.
4. Keep ginger in the freezer
Everyone seems to have a different place where they keep their ginger fresh but the best location is definitely the freezer. Not only does it last longer, but it also makes it easier to grind and peel.
5. Keep onions in tights
It sounds weird, but grab a pair of tights you no longer use, as thin as possible and filled with onions. Tie a knot between each onion and hang in a cool dry place and they can last up to eight months.
6. Store Asparagus Like a Bouquet
Trim the end of the asparagus as you would before placing the flowers in a vase. Then put them in a jar with some water and loosely wrap a plastic bag on top before placing in the fridge.
7. Freeze fresh herbs and olive oil in ice tray
If you have fresh herbs you don't want to spoil try putting them in an ice cube tray with some olive oil and then freezing. Then, whenever you want to make a meal using that herb, you can simply thaw the cube.
8. Clean Your Refrigerator Regularly
Make it a habit to disinfect and clean your refrigerator and cupboards as often as possible, especially if something goes bad in there. Bacteria will always exist unless cleaned properly with the correct cleaning solutions.
9. Use foam paper to wrap cheese
Cheese lasts much longer when allowed to breathe, so avoid using any plastic wrap or tin foil. Cheese paper is available but if you have any baking paper lying around that will also work.
10. Paper towels with lettuce
After you wash the lettuce, make sure it's as dry as possible as the water will cause it to wilt. Alternatively, place a paper towel in your lettuce container to absorb any water in it.
11. Wrap foil around vegetables
Celery and broccoli will last longer if wrapped in foil and kept in the refrigerator. Recipes can make your favorite veggies last up to a month longer than usual.
12. Put the syrup in the freezer
Once opened, the maple syrup will begin to crystallize and may go bad within a few months. If you only use it sparingly try putting it in the freezer, the high sugar content means it won't freeze and can therefore be used over and over again.
13. Revive old bread
If you have an old loaf of bread, don't throw it away. Rub the loaf with an ice cube and then pop it in the oven for about 12 minutes. Bread will return to its former glory in no time.
14. Store apples and potatoes together
It may sound like an odd combination, but storing apples with your potatoes can help them last up to eight weeks longer. The ethylene gas produced by apples prevents potatoes from spoiling.
15. Lemon juice for butter
It's hard to prevent the oxidation that causes avocados to brown quickly, but one method is to use a light layer of lemon juice over your avocado or guacamole to prevent it from spoiling too quickly.