Seeing your kitchen stocked with fresh fruit and vegetables is fantastic. It’s incredibly satisfying to know that so much nutritional and natural produce is ready for you, whether you’re keen for a healthy snack or gearing up to cook a wholesome feast. But, there’s another, less glamourous side to this situation – keeping fruit and veg fresh long enough to use them is a real struggle.
Even with the best of intention, focus, and dedication, getting through your fresh produce before half of it has turned into compost is a real challenge. And as the summer weather really kicks in, it’s a battle that’s going to get much, much harder.
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Thankfully, it turns out that this is a problem that doesn’t need to exist. There is a range of food storage options (and a few nature-inspired tricks) that can help your food go much, much further. Here are some of the quickest, cheapest and easiest methods of ensuring your fresh food lasts:
Fresh Food Storage
Sistema FreshWorks Storage Container
These fridge storage containers work miracles. Systema has created a reliable way of ensure that produce stays fresh for a long time. The in-built FreshVent is a smart little feature that provides the contents of the tub with regulated airflow, while a low, raised tray keeps the product out of any accumulated moistures. We've found that some produce, like carrots, celery and berries, can now last weeks, rather than days. A true investment.
Sistema Fresh Food Container – 6 Pack
If you're looking to increase the life of fresh produce, then you'll need the Sistema FreshWorks containers. But, if you're wanting to freeze produce for later use, then look no further than these Fresh containers. The airtight lid ensures that the contents are not spoiled by frost damage, and their squared shape means that a freezer draw can become much more organised.These containers can also be used for dry food (crackers, rice, pasta) in a cupboard, or fresh produce and leftovers (chopped tomatoes, cheeses) in the fridge.
Banana Tree Hanger – Stainless Steel
The best way to have your bananas last is to keep them in a bunch, out of direct sunlight, and aired. A tree hanger, such as this, will do the job perfectly. The bananas receive all-round aeration, and they're kept neat and out of the way. It's best to opt for a stainless steel version, such as this. The design is neutral and will fit in almost anywhere, it's also long-lasting and very easy to clean.
Organic Cotton Mesh Produce Bags
Organic cotton mesh produce bags – eco-friendly, versatile, and key for keeping potatoes fresh, as the breathable material helps to prevent moisture build-up. Another trick to keeping your potatoes fresh is throw an apple into the bag. They produce ethylene gas, is said to prevent spuds from sprouting and softening.
Stasher Reusable Silicone Food Bag
A great alternative to plastic storage bags, the Stasher self-sealing sandwich bags are ideal for using when travelling, taking to work or going to school. With an innovative air-tight feature and pinch-press seal, your fruit, sandwich or any other snacks are sure to stay fresh for longer.
Bamboo Tiered Basket Holder
It's always a hit with us when style meets utility. Many fresh produce items (avocados, tomatoes, onions, corn, garlic, melon, pineapple) shouldn't be refrigerated. They need to be in a place with plenty of air, and out of direct sunlight. This space-saving double-tiered basket allows you to store your products with minimal impact on your available space. Note: You don't have to fill the baskets up quite as much as the picture suggests.
Metal Wire Fruit Basket
Don't worry, this metal fruit bowl isn't for taking up space on your worktop – it's for the fridge, and, specifically, your apples. The ethylene gas that they produce, which is said to be so useful when keeping potatoes firm, is a real destroyer for other fresh fruits and vegetables. Separate them off and everything'll keep for longer (especially if you're other fridge produce is stored in the Systema FreshWorks tub). For easy cleaning and longevity, aim for a metal solution such as this.
100ml Glass Pots – 6pcs
These glass pots are ideal for keeping herbs fresh for longer. Basil, coriander, parsley, and alike, are essential (and tasty), but we all know that the condition of fresh packed herbs can change at the drop of a hat. Open the pack up and put the herbs in some water near a natural light source - treating them like a bunch of flowers is the best way to ensure their longevity. The pots can also double as storage for chopped fresh fruits and sauces.
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William Lobley is a Content Writer and reviewer for WhatsTheBest, specialising in gaming, technology and the outdoors. He also writes for Empire Online.