There are many tricks to keep lettuce crisp, carrots crunchy, potatoes from sprouting, and herbs fresh… starting from choosing the best storage spots in your kitchen to the right way of storing each item.
Storing Fruits and Vegetables in the Kitchen
Many homemakers tend to make one big trip to the supermarket or farmers’ market to buy their weekly produce. But after unloading the groceries and admiring this colorful bounty, the panic sets in: how do you keep everything fresh all week?
Here’s a complete guide to the best ways to store fruits and vegetables.
The Fruit Bowl
Do you have a fruit bowl? Many people use it as both decoration and storage, but it actually shortens the shelf life of fruits. Keeping fruits at room temperature is fine for some, but avoid direct sunlight. Fresh fruit in a bowl will spoil in days instead of weeks. Instead, store fruits separately:
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Apples in a wire basket on the counter: They can last up to a year in the fridge, but if you don’t have space, they’ll keep for months on the counter. Wash first, then store individually in a basket or container.
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Bananas on a hook: Hanging bananas helps them last longer. Keep them away from other fruits since they release ethylene gas, which speeds ripening. Organic bananas ripen more slowly as they contain less ethylene. If you waste bananas often, try the mason jar trick—store cut bananas in jars in the fridge.
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Oranges, lemons, and avocados together: Wash oranges in water with a little vinegar before storing. Keep them in a container or the fridge with lemons and avocados. Citrus can last up to 6 weeks, avocados about a month. Cut avocados can be stored in a jar for up to a week.
Leafy Greens in the Fridge
Wash lettuce and leafy greens in vinegar, spin them dry in a salad spinner, then lay them flat on a towel. Store them in a sealed glass container with a dry paper towel at the bottom to absorb excess moisture. They’ll stay fresh for weeks.
Onions and Potatoes in the Pantry
Store onions and potatoes in wire baskets for airflow, but keep them separate. When stored together, they spoil faster. Keep at least 1 meter apart. Sweet potatoes can be stored with regular potatoes.
Leeks Wrapped in a Cloth
Store leeks in the fridge, wrapped in a damp cloth or paper towel, then inside a plastic bag for extra protection.
Garlic Away from Sunlight
Keep garlic bulbs whole, in a cool, dry, ventilated place (like an open basket or ceramic jar). For long-term storage, peel, chop, and freeze, or cover with oil or vinegar in a jar in the fridge.
Best Kitchen Storage Solutions for Fruits and Veggies
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Three-tier hanging basket: Perfect for bananas, avocados, and firm fruits. Line with cloth to prevent bruising.
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Large stackable wooden crates: Great for apples, squash, or tomatoes. They allow airflow and keep ethylene-producing fruits separate. Avoid strong light for potatoes and onions.
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Bread box: A dark, ventilated option for garlic and root vegetables. Keep onions and potatoes separate.
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French ceramic storage jar: Compact and stylish, ideal for onions or potatoes. The cork lid absorbs excess moisture and prevents mold.
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Burlap bags: Cheap, breathable, washable, and eco-friendly. They absorb moisture and can go in the washing machine when they smell musty.
✨ With the right storage tricks, you’ll cut down on food waste and enjoy fresh produce all week long.
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