10 Tips To Keep Your Produce Fresh for Weeks

Ever experienced the disappointment of finding sad, wilted droopy veggies + fruits at home? We've all been there--- The joy of crisp leafy greens or the satisfying crunch of fresh carrots should last longer, and it can! These 10 Tips To Keep Your Produce Fresh for Weeks can help you keep your fruits + vegetables fresh longer, save you money + minimize food waste! It's a win-win!

As a recipe developer + major foodie, my fridge is always brimming with ingredients, and I'm constantly on the lookout for ways to extend their lifespan. So I figured it's high time to spill the beans (or veggies, in this case) on my tried-and-true tricks that ACTUALLY work.

Honestly, after a big haul from the farmers' markets + grocery stores, walking into my kitchen feels like gearing up for a round of fridge Tetris. The challenge is real, strategically placing fruits, veggies, and all the goodies in a way that avoids the inevitable Jenga tower collapse when you open the door. Haha

Jump to:

• Keep Your Fruit + Vegetables Fresh for Weeks
• 1. Rinse Berries With Vinegar
• 2. Store Carrots With Water
• 3. Cover Banana Stems With Plastic Wrap
• 4. Keep Tomatoes Out Of The Fridge + Stem Side Down
• 5. Put Leafy Greens In A Sealed Container
• 6. Keep Citrus + Ginger In The Fridge
• 7. Isolate Gassy Produce
• 8. Freeze Fresh Herbs Into Ice Cubes!
• 9. Put Lemon Juice On Your Avocado
• 10. Make An Asparagus + Herb Vase
• More Wellness Tips You Might Enjoy
• DID THIS HELP IN ANY WAY?

Keep Your Fruit + Vegetables Fresh for Weeks

Keeping my haul fresh is a big deal, especially because I prioritize health, and fresh veggies and fresh fruits are non-negotiable. I won't sugarcoat it, y'all – I've had my fair share of mishaps in the food storage department.

After some trial and error, I've cracked the code with hacks that range from effortless to needing a bit of extra TLC. They're all simple, easy, and once you've got the hang of it, incorporating them into your routine becomes second nature!

1. Rinse Berries With Vinegar

This tip was a total game-changer for me! I used to notice my berries turning bad after just a few days, but not anymore--- Before tossing them in the fridge, wash strawberries, raspberries, and other berries with a mixture of vinegar and water (try a 1:3 ratio). Give them a good rinse after and ensure they're thoroughly dry. This helps fend off mold, extending their shelf life by WEEKS!!!

2. Store Carrots With Water

To keep those carrots from getting that sad, dried-out vibe they sometimes get, start by cutting off the leafy greens if you bought whole carrots (apparently, they steal nutrients from the roots – who knew?). Carrots love a bit of moisture, so toss them into a container filled with water, seal it up + and pop it in the fridge.

3. Cover Banana Stems With Plastic Wrap

To keep bananas fresh longer, just wrap the stems in plastic. The stems release gas that makes the fruit ripen (and everything nearby). The plastic acts like a shield, keeping the gas in check and extending the life of the bananas. You can use a bag secured with a rubber band, but a bit of plastic wrap works great. Bonus tip: If a banana gets too ripe, freeze it for an easy smoothie boost!

My favorite banana recipes:

• Caramelized "Crunch" Banana Pudding
• Banana Coconut Overnight Oats
• Maple Chocolate Chip Banana Bread
• Vegan Banana Oatmeal Sheet Cake 

4. Keep Tomatoes Out Of The Fridge + Stem Side Down

I'm a sucker for herb-roasted tomatoes, and the magic happens with super-ripe ones. Tomatoes aren't fans of the cold – toss them in the fridge, and their perfect flavor and texture take a nosedive. When on the counter, if they're off the stem, lay them down stem side down. That way, the last-to-ripen part gets its chance to shine.

5. Put Leafy Greens In A Sealed Container

To keep your leafy greens, like arugula, baby spinach, and lettuce, from spoiling, sift through and discard any wilted, discolored, or slimy ones. Choose a roomy air-tight plastic or glass storage container  (bags are a no-go) that lets the air flow between the leaves. Line the container with damp paper towels or a thin cloth and tuck it into the crisper drawer. Check out my fave go-to food storage containers HERE!

6. Keep Citrus + Ginger In The Fridge

Have you ever come across those kitchens on Instagram that look picture-perfect with a bowl of lemons on the counter? Looks nice, right? But truth be told, those lemons won't stay fresh for long. For lasting freshness – think firm, juicy, not shriveled – pop your citrus in the fridge. The same goes for ginger (and fresh turmeric root if you've got it).

7. Isolate Gassy Produce

Certain fresh produce such as fruits + veggies like apples, ripe bananas, pears, and potatoes, release a gas called ethylene, speeding up the ripening of others. If you're in a hurry to ripen something, team it up with apples or bananas. But if you're aiming for a longer lifespan, try to keep them apart. Give bananas their space, avoid mingling potatoes + onions, and assign a specific spot in the fridge for apples. Easy-peasy, right?

8. Freeze Fresh Herbs Into Ice Cubes!

When you can't use all those fresh herbs before they lose their mojo, here's one of my favorite hacks – freeze them in ice cube trays! Perfect for:

• Basil
• Rosemary
• Mint
• Dill
• Oregano
• Sage
• Chives
• Thyme
• Cilantro

Simply chop up your herbs, toss them into a silicone ice cube tray, and pour in your favorite oil (I'm all about the olive love but you could also use water). Whenever you need a burst of freshness, just pop one out! And while you're at it try out my Citrus Ginger Turmeric Ice Cubes recipe next!

9. Put Lemon Juice On Your Avocado

To keep a cut avocado fresh, leave the pit in the unused half, sprinkle exposed flesh with citrus juice, and tightly wrap it in plastic or store it in an airtight container in the fridge. This helps prevent browning, and it should stay fresh for a day or two! Ripe avocados can be kept in the fridge to halt the ripening process. Check out my post on Avocado Health Benefits if you are a lover of this creamy fruit to learn more!

10. Make An Asparagus + Herb Vase

Keep your asparagus or herbs fresh by wrapping damp paper towels around their bases or storing them upright in a glass with about an inch of water. This trick works wonders for herbs like cilantro, parsley, mint, and dill, ensuring they stay hydrated and resist wilting--- Pop a plastic bag on top of the herbs also.

There you have it— 10 tips to keep your fruits + vegetables fresh for weeks. I hope these help you make the most of your groceries and enjoy fresh, flavorful meals! If you are looking for any meal inspiration check out my "What To Eat This Week" series for some seriously delicious + healthy eats.

More Wellness Tips You Might Enjoy

If you loved learning about these 10 Tips To Keep Your Produce Fresh for Weeks then check out these health + wellness tips next:

• 12 Favorite Healthy Green Leafy Vegetables 
• Healthy Oils To Use For Everyday Cooking
• 11 Best Foods to Improve Gut Health
• What the World's Longest Living People Are Eating
• Why Flour Lasts Longer When Refrigerated

DID THIS HELP IN ANY WAY?

If you've given any of these 10 Tips To Keep Your Produce Fresh for Weeks a try or given any recipes on my website a go, I'd truly appreciate it if you could share your experience by leaving a ⭐ star rating and dropping your thoughts in the 📝  comments below. Your feedback means a lot, and I love hearing from you on your wellness journey!

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