A FOOD expert has revealed several methods to make your groceries last longer than expected that don’t break the bank.
She even shared a trick to extend the shelf life of your dairy products with a little flick of the wrist.
The Cookie Rookie Founder and Recipe Expert Becky Hardin has provided eight food storage hacks to prevent waste.
She said that nearly 40% of all food goes to waste in the United States.
What can we do to prevent this and keep groceries fresher for longer?
BREAD BLUNDER
Hardin said you should never keep your bread in the fridge because it stales much faster at cool temperatures.
“Instead, store it in a bread box or a cool, dry cupboard,” she added.
Hardin also offered a quick tip if sliced bride starts to stale before you finish the load.
“Pop it in the freezer! Take out a slice or two as needed, toast straight from frozen, and enjoy fresh-tasting bread every time,” she explained.
PRODUCE PROBLEMS
“Produce such as potatoes, onions, and garlic should never be stored in the fridge,” the entrepreneur said.
She advised keeping them in cool, dark places for “optimal freshness.”
“However, storing potatoes with onions is a big no-no! Onions release ethylene gas, making potatoes sprout faster, so keep them separate,” she warned.
SEPARATE FRUITS AND VEGGIES
Hardin said it’s crucial to keep certain fruits and vegetables separate because ethylene gas is a “sneaky villain” that speeds up ripening.
Certain fruits and veggies, like apples, avocados, and melons, release this.
“Store these guys away from ethylene-sensitive produce like leafy greens, broccoli, and berries,” she suggested.
Also, make sure that you’re using the best place in your home to store specific groceries.
“Storing tomatoes on the kitchen counter can keep their texture and flavor better than in the fridge,” the expert added.
WRAP METHOD
Hardin recommended wrapping fresh herbs like parsley, cilantro, and basil in slightly damp paper towels to keep them crisp and flavorful for much longer.
Then, place them in a resealable plastic bag or container in the refrigerator.
Also, storing fresh-cut herbs in an ice cube tray with oil and freezing them into portions keeps them fresh if you don’t use them in time.
This trick also works for fresh garlic, chili, and ginger.
BATH BEST
Vinegar has proven to be a natural disinfectant and multi-purpose cleaner.
“Washing your fruits and vegetables in a mix of water and vinegar will remove bacteria and disinfect the produce, keeping it fresher for longer,” Hardin said.
She recommended making a mix that is one part vinegar and three parts water in a bowl or clean skin.
Let the fruits or veggies sit for 15 minutes and then rinse them off before storing them properly.
Easy gardening tips to save money, maximize space, and repel pests
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- Banana peels, vinegar, and coffee grounds are often recommended as natural fertilizers.
- Dollar Tree sells four packs of seeds for $1.25.
- Try a vertical planter like Amazon’s Mr. Stacky 5 Tier Stackable Planter, $35 to make more use of a small space.
- Use netting like the Garden Netting Pest Barrier, $8, from Amazon to keep away bugs that eat your vegetables.
- Try sacrificial planting to reduce the use of pesticides and keep pests away from your garden. Deliberately growing certain plants to attract agricultural pests can keep them away from the plants you want to protect. Examples include marigolds, lavender, catnip, and chives.
- For pesky weeds in your garden, the Grampa’s Weeder – The Original Stand-Up Weed Puller Tool with Long Handles, $45, from Amazon is a helpful tool you can use without having to bend over.
SALTY SOLUTION
If you want to stop bacteria from growing in your milk and causing it to go bad, add a little bit of salt.
“When you first open your milk, add a pinch of salt, give it a good shake, and place it in your refrigerator as soon as possible,” Hardin revealed.
Ensure you’re also using the coolest areas of your fridge to keep your milk fresh.
FIRST IN, FIRST OUT
When restocking your pantry or refrigerator, Hardin said to follow the “first in, first out rule” often.
“Move older items to the front and place newer items in the back,” she explained.
This prompts you to use older ingredients first and reduces the likelihood of them expiring before they’re used.
REMOVE PACKAGING
Lastly, Hardin said to “always remove foods from their original packaging into specialized storage solutions.”
Produce savers can lengthen the shelf life of strawberries, other fruits, and cheese.
Try using paper towels to absorb the moisture from berries and salads, she added.
By implementing these tips and tricks into your life, you can help reduce food waste and simultaneously keep your ingredients fresher for longer.
