More Than Our Story

Keeping Your Fresh Food Fresh

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With the rising price of groceries, nobody likes tossing out food that’s gone bad too soon. Whether you’re meal prepping, trying to reduce grocery trips, or want to minimize food waste, knowing how to store common foods properly can make a significant difference. Here are some practical, everyday tips to help your favorite foods last longer and taste better.

Food Storing Tips

Apples

  • Store in the crisper drawer of your fridge, away from other produce.

APPLE STORING TIP:
Apples emit ethylene gas, which speeds up ripening. Keep them away from bananas and leafy greens.

Avocados

  • Place whole avocados in an air-tight jar of water to keep them fresh for weeks.

Bananas

  • Separate them and wrap the stems in foil or plastic wrap to slow down the ripening process.
  • Store at room temperature, away from other fruits and vegetables.

BANANA STORING TIP:
Overripe? Freeze for smoothies, banana bread, or Frozen Banana Treat.

Berries

  • Optional: Give them a quick vinegar rinse (1 part vinegar to 3 parts water), then dry thoroughly.
  • Store in a jar container lined with paper towels.

BERRY STORING TIPS:
Don’t wash until ready to eat, as moisture leads to mold.

Bread

  • Short-term storage: Store at room temperature in a bread box or a cloth bag. Avoid the fridge as it makes bread stale faster.
  • Long-term storage: Slice and freeze the slices, toasting them as needed.

Butter

  • Store on the counter in a covered butter dish to protect it from light and air, which speeds up spoilage.

Citrus Fruits

  • Once ripe, store citrus fruits in the fridge for weeks.

Cheese

  • Hard cheeses (such as cheddar): Wrap in wax or parchment paper, then place in a loose plastic bag.
  • Soft cheeses (such as Brie): Store in the original packaging or a sealed container.

CHEESE STORING TIPS:
Mold on hard cheese? Just cut off 1 inch around the moldy part; it’s still safe to eat.

Cherries

  • Store uncovered in the fridge for up to a week.

Cucumbers

  • Store in a zip-lock bag, poked with poles, on the counter.

Eggs

  • Keep them in their original carton on a middle shelf, not the door where the temperature fluctuates.

EGG STORING TIPS:
Don’t wash farm-fresh eggs unless you’re ready to use them – they have a protective coating.

Grapes

  • Remove grapes from their stems and place them in a zip-lock bag with holes poked in it. Store in the fridge.

Herbs (Cilantro, Parsley, Rosemary)

  • Place stems in a jar of water, cover loosely with a bag, and refrigerate.

Leafy Greens (Spinach, Lettuce, Kale)

  • Wrap the greens in paper towels to absorb moisture and prevent them from becoming soggy. Store in a container or resealable bag with some airflow.

Melons

  • Melons are best kept whole in the fridge until used.

MELON STORING TIPS:
Melons will keep up to a month in the fridge.

Milk & Dairy

  • Store in the back of the fridge, not the door where the temperature fluctuates. Close the cap tightly and keep away from strong-smelling foods to prevent flavor transfer.

Mushrooms

  • Place the mushrooms in a paper bag or a porous container in the refrigerator, avoiding plastic bags and sealed containers.

MUSHROOM STORING TIPS:
Do not wash before storing; clean only before use. Also, keep whole if possible, and avoid plastic bags and airtight containers that trap moisture. Use within 5–7 days.

Nuts

  • Short-term storage: Store in an airtight container in a cool, dark, and dry pantry.
  • Long-term storage: Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator or freezer.

Onions & Garlic

  • Store in a ventilated basket or mesh bag in a dark, dry spot.

ONION & GARLIC STORING TIPS:
Avoid plastic bags, as they trap moisture, which leads to rot.

Potatoes

  • Store in a cool, dark place, avoiding the refrigerator.

Raw Meat & Poultry

  • Store in the coldest part of the fridge, ideally below 40°F (4°C).
  • Bag different meats separately to catch drips and prevent cross-contamination.

RAW MEATS & POULTRY STORING TIPS:
If you don’t use it within 2 days, freeze it in a vacuum-sealed or well-wrapped bag.

Bonus Tip: Leftovers

  • Cool quickly and store in shallow containers to prevent bacterial growth.
  • Label with the date and use within 3–4 days.

Conclusion

A little knowledge goes a long way when it comes to keeping your fresh food its freshest. By storing food properly, you’ll save money, reduce waste, and enjoy tastier meals. It’s a win-win.

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Denise

Denise is the most positive person you will ever meet. She takes pleasure in sharing and giving and is selfless beyond imagination. She is also an animal lover and will never miss the opportunity to say hello to any four legged friends along her journey. Denise is also an advertising and PR wizard and will charm your socks off. In 2021 her journey began becoming an irreplaceable part of More Than Our Story.

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