13 Ingenious Hacks to Keep Your Produce Fresher for Longer

"During these unprecedented times, it's crucial to ensure the longevity and freshness of our food supplies. Join us as we uncover invaluable tips and tricks to keep your family's meals tasting delicious and staying fresh for extended periods. It's time to master the art of food preservation!"

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With the complex developments of the pandemic, we must follow the social distancing rules and only go out when necessary. Therefore, food preservation is one of the essential skills to keep our family’s food fresh and safe.

Here are some easy-to-follow food preservation methods to help your food last longer.

1Garlic Preservation

Tools You’ll Need

  • Garlic bulbs
  • Water
    Paper towels
  • Blender or food processor
    Ice cube tray
    Air-tight container

Instructions

Step 1: Peel and rinse the garlic cloves. Use paper towels to pat them dry.

Step 2: Blend or process the garlic cloves until they form a paste. Use a spoon to fill each compartment of the ice cube tray with the garlic paste. Place the tray in the freezer for 3-4 hours until the garlic cubes are frozen solid.

Step 3: Once frozen, pop the garlic cubes out of the tray and store them in an air-tight container in the refrigerator. Use as needed for cooking.

2Chili Preservation

Tools You’ll Need

  • Paper towels
  • Air-tight container

Instructions

Step 1: Rinse the chilies and pat them dry with paper towels.

Step 2: Line the bottom of the air-tight container with a dry paper towel. Place the chilies in the container, close the lid, and store in the refrigerator.

3Preserving Scallions

Tools You’ll Need

  • Paper towels
  • Air-tight container

Instructions

Step 1: Trim the roots and remove any damaged scallion stalks. Rinse the scallions and cut them into 4-5 cm segments.

Step 2: Use a rectangular container and line it with paper towels to absorb moisture. Place the scallion segments in the container.

Alternatively, you can chop the scallions finely and store them in a small jar in the refrigerator.

4Preserving Bean Sprouts

Tools You’ll Need

  • Air-tight container

Instructions

Rinse the bean sprouts and remove any damaged ones. Place them in the air-tight container and fill it with water until it reaches the level of the bean sprouts. Close the lid and store the container in the refrigerator to keep the bean sprouts fresh for longer.

5Preserving Tofu

Tools You’ll Need

  • Air-tight container

Instructions

Place the tofu in the air-tight container and fill it with water until the tofu is completely submerged. This will help keep the tofu fresh for longer.

6Preserving Perilla Leaves

Tools You’ll Need

  • Cylindrical air-tight container

Instructions

Rinse the perilla leaves and pat them dry. Trim the stems and stand the leaves upright in the container. Store the container in the refrigerator to keep the leaves fresh.

7Preserving Cherry Tomatoes

Tools You’ll Need

  • Air-tight container
  • Paper towels

Instructions

Line the bottom of the container with a dry paper towel. Place the cherry tomatoes in the container, close the lid, and store in the refrigerator.

8Preserving Green Vegetables

Tools You’ll Need

  • Rectangular air-tight container
  • Paper towels

Instructions

Rinse the vegetables to remove any dirt and let them air dry. Line the container with paper towels and place a layer of vegetables on top. Add another layer of paper towels and continue layering until all the vegetables are in the container. Close the lid and store in the refrigerator to keep the vegetables fresh and prolong their shelf life.

9Preserving Carrots and Corn

Tools You’ll Need

  • Rectangular air-tight container
  • Paper towels

Instructions

Roll each carrot and corn cob individually in paper towels. Make sure to cover both ends as well. Place them in a large container, close the lid, and store them in a cool, dry place.

10Preserving Zucchini, Bell Peppers, and Broccoli

Tools You’ll Need

  • Air-tight container
  • Paper towels

Instructions

For zucchini, bell peppers, and broccoli, wrap each vegetable individually in dry paper towels. Place them in the container and store in the refrigerator.

11Preserving Potatoes and Sweet Potatoes

Tools You’ll Need

  • Wicker basket or mesh basket
  • Newspaper

Instructions

Line the bottom of the basket with newspaper and use it to wrap each potato and sweet potato individually. Arrange them neatly in the basket and store in a cool, dry place. Keeping them dry will prevent sprouting and ensure they remain safe to consume.

12Preserving Pumpkins and Onions

Tools You’ll Need

  • Wicker basket or mesh basket
  • Newspaper

Instructions

Place the pumpkins or onions in the basket lined with newspaper. Add another layer of newspaper on top and store in a cool, well-ventilated area.

13Preserving Tomatoes

Store tomatoes in a cool, dark place, away from direct sunlight. There is no need to refrigerate them.

Frequently asked questions

There are several ingenious hacks to achieve this. For instance, separate ethylene-producing fruits and vegetables, store fruits and vegetables in the right place, line your crisper drawer with paper towels, use airtight containers or storage bags, and create a DIY produce protector with baking soda.

Fruits and vegetables such as apples, apricots, avocados, bananas, cantaloupes, honeydew melons, nectarines, peaches, pears, plums, and tomatoes produce ethylene gas, which can speed up the ripening process and shorten the shelf life of produce.

Different fruits and vegetables have different storage requirements. Some need to be stored in the fridge, while others are best kept at room temperature. Storing produce in the right place can help maintain their freshness and prolong their shelf life.

Paper towels can help absorb excess moisture in the crisper drawer, which can reduce the risk of mold and bacteria growth, thus keeping your produce fresher for longer.

Airtight containers or storage bags help to maintain humidity levels and prevent moisture loss, which can keep your produce from drying out and prolong their freshness.

Baking soda is a natural deodorizer and can help absorb ethylene gas and slow down the ripening process. You can create a DIY produce protector by placing a small, open container of baking soda in your fridge or produce storage container.
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