Keep it fresh

wdwghettogirl

Any tips, tricks, ideas on how to keep produce longer? Veggies have become about 80% of my diet, but they always starts to go bad before I can eat them all. If I just buy less at a time, then I run out and have to make trips to the store every couple days. So frustrating! Any thoughts?

jrueckert

I'm right there with ya - I'm interested to hear suggestions...

Sunshine_Girlie

Have you tried those Debbie Meyer Green Bags? They used to sell them on t.v.

sarahs440

those green bags work!!

pixietoes

The green bags do work to a point. But the truth is, you stand a better chance at a fresh, varied diet if you shop every couple of days. Somethings I buy in bulk, like onions, carrots, and celery, but otherwise I seldom buy more than a couple of days worth of fruits and vegetables at a time.

wdwghettogirl

I haven't tried the green bags. I remember seeing the infomercials for those. I may need to look into that. Without a reliable mode of transportation, getting to the store is a challenge right now. So shopping every couple days is a huge pain the behind!

pretentiouskate

I do some things frozen - berries, veggies like corn, peas, carrots, broccoli - you could either buy it frozen or buy fresh and freeze yourself.

eorourke23

I buy frozen too, some fresh produce takes 2-3 weeks from field to plate and that is why it goes off so quickly, I have researched this and they say that frozen is in some cases has more nutrients as these depleat in the time it lies on the shelves. :flowerforyou: I have also found that birdseye is defo the best tasting.

DeannaOnline

My favorite fruit and veggie storage tips: (from ehow)
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Be careful what fruits and vegetables you store together. Some produce releases ethylene gas. This gas speeds up the decay process of ethylene sensitive vegetables and fruit. Gas releasers that should be refrigerated separately include apples, apricots, cantaloupe, figs, and honeydew. Gas releasers that should not be refrigerated but should be stored separately include avocados, unripe bananas, nectarines, peaches, pears, plums and tomatoes.


Buy a gadget that absorbs ethylene gas and can be put in the crisper drawer. You can also buy produce bags that absorb ethylene gas and allow for breathing.

NOLA_Meg

With some fruit, like berries, don't rinse them until you use them instead of rinsing the whole package and putting it in the fridge- this can help them last longer.

Also with spinach, herbs, celery, onion- after you've had them a couple days, freeze part to use in recipes later.

With tomatos, you can make a puree and freeze it.

If you eat asparagus, store them in a bunch standing on end not lying flat.