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As food prices continue to rise, finding ways to reduce grocery waste has never been more important. Fortunately, there are some surprisingly simple ways to extend the shelf life of your groceries. Here are 18 helpful tips to help you do just that.
Delay Washing Produce
Washing fruits and veggies before storage can promote food decay. It’s better to wash them right before use.
Separate the Bananas
Keep bananas from ripening too quickly by separating them and covering the stems with plastic wrap.
Eat Leftovers
Eating leftovers is a convenient way to make the most of your groceries.
Use Airtight Containers
To preserve the freshness of opened food, consider using resealable and airtight containers made of either plastic or glass. This helps prevent the intrusion of moisture and air, which can lead to food contamination and quicker spoilage.
Utilize Clear Containers
Transparent containers let you see what’s inside, encouraging you to use up food before it spoils.
Monitor Expiration Dates
Treat “Best Used By” dates as guidelines. Trust your senses—if something smells off, it’s best to discard it.
Set Your Fridge to the Right Temperature
Make sure your refrigerator is set at a temperature of 40 degrees or lower. You don’t want it to be so cold that your food freezes, but any warmer than that, you risk harmful bacteria growth and spoilage.
Avoid Storing Perishables in the Refrigerator Door
Keep perishables like milk in colder parts of the fridge for longer freshness.
Inspect Fruits Regularly
Check for spoilage or damage to prevent one bad fruit from spoiling the rest.
Batch Cook and Freeze
Cooking in bulk and freezing portions saves time, reduces waste, and keeps food fresh.
Make a Smoothie Bowl
Turn fruits that are past their prime into delicious smoothies or breakfast bowls. This helps to reduce waste.
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Dry Fresh Herbs
Drying fresh herbs like basil, cilantro, and mint before storing can significantly extend their shelf life.
Opt for Frozen Fruits and Vegetables
Consider frozen fruits and vegetables to reduce waste. They have similar nutritional value as fresh produce and last significantly longer.
Keep the Fridge Clean
A cluttered refrigerator can disrupt the flow of cool air and result in warmer spots that are less ideal for food storage. This can lead to food spoilage and even mold growth.
To prevent mold from spreading to fresh items, it’s important to maintain a clean and organized refrigerator. Promptly remove spoiled food, as mold in one section of the fridge can easily spread to other areas and affect open products.
Freeze Meat Immediately
If you don’t have immediate plans to prepare or consume your meat, it’s smart to freeze it. Uncooked meats can be safely stored in the freezer for several months, depending on the cut. This extends their shelf life and frees up valuable space in your refrigerator.
Refrigerate Certain Fruits
Apples and oranges, for example, spoil slower when refrigerated, without compromising taste.
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