How to store your foods to increase shelf life

Now that the coronavirus had people bulk shopping due to a potential lockdown, the last thing anyone would want is their foods going bad. Whether it’s how to clean them, prepare them or store them, there’s a lot more you can do so that you extend their shelf life.  Here’s how you can keep your foods fresh and edible for longer.

Store fruits and vegetables separately

Fruits such as apples, bananas and pears give off ethylene gas, which can make other vegetables ripen and rot faster.

 Store tomatoes at room temperature

If you bought tomatoes in bulk, storing them in the fridge will strip them of their natural flavour and texture. It is advisable to store your tomatoes at room temperature with lemons. Lemons do not emit a ripening ethylene gas. You can also store them with the stem side facing down as it is the last part to ripen.

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 Store potatoes in a cool dark place

Keep your potatoes from shrivelling and losing their starch content by storing them in an aerated place that has a circulation of cool air.

photo:farmersalmanac.com

Keep leafy vegetables crisp

Wash then pat dry leafy vegetables such as lettuce or spinach then wrap loosely in a dish towel or paper towel. Then, place in a plastic bag in the vegetable drawer to keep the stems moist and the leaves crisp.

Don’t wash your eggs

If you buy eggs from your local shop or farmer they will probably have some dirt on them. However, resist the urge to wash them before you store them as the shell is porous. This will prevent contamination of your eggs. If you do have to wash your eggs, do so only if you’re preparing them instantly. Eggs can be stored on the countertop or refrigerated.

Store citrus fruits on the countertop

Oranges, lemons and limes are best placed in an airy place instead of the fridge. However, keep a close eye on the them as a moldy fruits could easily make the others go bad fast.