With grocery bills taking a bigger bite out of the household budget, getting more use out of the food you buy can make a real difference. A little extra care with storage can help produce, leftovers, herbs, and other groceries last longer while cutting down on the amount of food that ends up in the trash.
You don’t need complicated storage systems to get better results. A few simple habits can help you use food before it spoils and make each grocery trip go a little further.
Here are 13 easy ways to keep your groceries fresh for longer.
Inspect Fruits Regularly
Give your fruit a quick check every few days. Look for soft spots, mold, bruising, or fruit that is starting to break down.
One spoiled piece can affect nearby produce, so remove damaged fruit as soon as you spot it. This is especially helpful with berries, peaches, and other delicate fruits that can spoil quickly.
Delay Washing Produce
Washing produce before storing it can leave extra moisture behind, which may encourage mold and spoilage. For many fruits and vegetables, it’s better to wash them shortly before eating or cooking.
There are exceptions, so check the storage recommendations for the particular produce you’re buying. Once washed, dry produce thoroughly before putting it away.
Separate the Bananas
If your bananas seem to ripen faster than you can eat them, try separating the bunch. Wrapping the stems with a small piece of plastic wrap is another commonly used trick that may slow ripening.
Keep bananas away from other fruits if you want to slow the ripening of nearby produce.
Related: 11 Reasons Banana Peels Are the Secret Ingredient Your Garden Needs
Eat Leftovers
Leftovers are one of the easiest ways to get more value from a grocery trip. Instead of letting extra food sit in the refrigerator until it gets forgotten, plan to eat it within the recommended storage period.
Store leftovers in shallow, covered containers and label them with the date. This makes it much easier to see what needs to be eaten first.
Use Airtight Containers
Once a package has been opened, transfer the contents to a clean, airtight container when appropriate. Glass and food-safe plastic containers can help keep moisture and air away from foods that need protection from them.
A tight seal can also help keep dry foods from going stale and reduce the chance of spills inside your pantry or refrigerator.
Use Clear Containers
Clear containers make it easier to see what you already have. That matters more than it sounds.
Food that gets pushed to the back of the refrigerator or pantry is easy to forget. Transparent containers put leftovers and opened foods right in view, making it more likely that you’ll use them before they go bad.
Monitor Food Dates
Food date labels can be confusing because different phrases have different meanings. A “Best By” date is often about quality rather than an automatic indication that food is unsafe.
For foods that require refrigeration, follow proper storage times and temperature guidelines. Don’t rely on smell or appearance alone to decide whether potentially hazardous food is safe, since harmful bacteria may be present without obvious signs. If you’re unsure about a perishable food, it’s safer to throw it away.
Set Your Fridge to the Right Temperature
Keep your refrigerator at 40°F (4°C) or below. A refrigerator that is too warm can allow harmful bacteria to multiply more quickly.
Use an appliance thermometer if your refrigerator doesn’t display its internal temperature. Check that cold air can circulate freely and avoid packing the refrigerator so tightly that air can’t move around the food.
Avoid Storing Perishables in the Refrigerator Door
The refrigerator door tends to experience more temperature changes than the main shelves because it is opened frequently.
Milk, fresh meat, seafood, and other highly perishable foods are better kept in the colder areas of the refrigerator. Use the door shelves for items that are less sensitive to temperature changes, such as many condiments.
Batch Cook and Freeze
Cooking a larger amount of food can save time during the week, and freezing extra portions can keep them from sitting in the refrigerator too long.
Divide cooked food into appropriately sized portions, place it in freezer-safe containers or bags, and label each one with the date. Smaller portions also thaw faster when you’re ready to eat them.
Make a Smoothie Bowl
Fruit that’s becoming very ripe doesn’t always need to go straight into the trash. Soft bananas, berries, mangoes, and other fruits can work well in smoothies or breakfast bowls.
Remove any moldy or spoiled portions rather than trying to salvage them. Freeze ripe fruit before it goes bad, then use it later for smoothies, blended bowls, or other recipes.
Related: 27 Breakfast Bowls So Good, They Taste Like Dessert
Dry Fresh Herbs
Fresh herbs can spoil surprisingly fast in the refrigerator. Drying them is one way to preserve them for later use.
Herbs such as basil, mint, rosemary, and thyme can be dried using several methods. Once completely dry, store them in an airtight container away from heat and direct sunlight.
Related: How to Dry Fresh Herbs
Opt for Frozen Fruits and Vegetables
Frozen produce can be a practical choice if you often struggle to use fresh fruits and vegetables before they spoil. Frozen fruits and vegetables are usually picked and frozen soon after harvest, and many retain much of their nutritional value.
They’re also easy to portion out, which means you can use exactly what you need and leave the rest in the freezer. Frozen berries, peas, corn, spinach, and mixed vegetables are especially handy for quick meals and snacks.
A little planning can keep your refrigerator and pantry from becoming a graveyard for forgotten groceries. Store food properly, keep an eye on what needs to be eaten first, and freeze anything you won’t use soon. Those small habits can help you waste less food and get more from the groceries you already paid for.
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