How to Keep Ingredients Fresh Longer
by Purple Carrot
Ingredients will stay fresh longer if you store them properly. And while it sounds simple, a lot of people don’t know what goes where. So we’ve compiled a handy guide to help.
First, things first: Some foods go in the fridge, others on the countertop. If any of your countertop items arrive perfectly ripe, though, store them in the refrigerator instead.
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Vegetables |
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| Countertop |
Refrigerator |
Refrigerator |
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Basil |
Artichoke | Beets, Turnips, Radishes |
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Garlic |
Asparagus |
Broccoli |
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Hard Squash |
Cucumber |
Carrots |
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Onions |
Eggplant | Cauliflower |
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Potatoes |
Green Beans |
Corn |
| Mushrooms |
Lettuce/Leafy Greens |
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Peppers |
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Summer/Yellow Squash |
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Zucchini |
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Fruits |
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| Countertop |
Refrigerator Shelf |
Refrigerator Crisper Drawer |
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Apricots |
Cut fruit (in a sealed container) |
Apples |
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Avocados |
Berries |
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| Bananas |
Citrus |
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Guava |
Grapes |
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Kiwi |
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Mangoes |
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Melons |
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Nectarines |
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Papaya |
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Peaches |
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Plums |
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| Tomatoes | ||
TIPS
- If you receive an underripe avocado or mango, store it in a brown bag next to an apple or banana. Apple and bananas (and many other fruits) produce ethylene gas, which can help other fruits ripen faster.
- Apples can be kept on the counter but will last longer in the fridge.
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Greens |
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Hearty Greens |
Delicate Greens |
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| Examples | Lacinato kale, Swiss chard, bok choy, and gai lan) | arugula, baby spinach, Arcadian greens and other lettuces |
| How to wash | Rinse with cold water | No washing necessary—these are usually triple-washed |
| How to store | Store in an unsealed plastic bag in the fridge | Store in unsealed plastic bag in the fridge, with a paper towel included to absorb condensation |
| Optional | If you like, you can also wrap the stems with a damp paper towel | |
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Herbs |
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| Tender herbs | Hardy herbs | |
| Examples | cilantro, dill, mint, parsley | oregano, rosemary, sage, thyme |
| How to wash | Rinse with cold water | |
| How to store | Wrap loosely in a damp paper towel and store in a sealed plastic bag in the fridge | Wrap loosely in a damp paper towel and store in a sealed plastic bag in the fridge |
| Optional | If you prefer, you can also store these herbs in a glass of water in the fridge | If you prefer, you can also store these herbs in a glass of water in the fridge |
TIP
- Basil is an exception. Store basil on the counter, in a glass jar (or drinking glass) filled with enough water to cover the bottom of the stems.
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Meat & Dairy Alternatives |
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| Product |
Field Roast® sausages |
Uptons Naturals Seitan |
Tempeh |
Forager Project® Organic Dairy-Free Cashewmilk Yogurt |
Vegenaise |
| Where to store | Store in freezer or refrigerator | Store in freezer or refrigerator | Store in refrigerator | Store in refrigerator | Store in refrigerator |
| Expiration | Last about 65 days unopened & refrigerated; lasts 3-4 days if outer casing is opened | Lasts 3-4 days once opened | Generally keeps in the fridge for up to 10 days once opened | Lasts 3-7 days in fridge once opened | Good until best by date even if opened |
| Tips | Can be frozen and later thawed in fridge | Can be frozen and later thawed in fridge | Spotting on tempeh is normal and safe to consume (black and grey is a-ok!) | Foul smell and curdling can indicate spoilage | Will keep for 24 hrs outside fridge |
