A FOOD expert has revealed several methods to make your shopping last longer than expected without breaking the bank.
She even shared a trick for extending the shelf life of your dairy products with a little flick of the wrist.
The cookie newbie Founder and Recipe Specialist Becky Hardin provided eight food storage hacks to avoid waste.
She said nearly 40 percent of all food is wasted in the United States.
What can we do to avoid this and keep groceries fresher for longer?
BREAD MISTAKE
Hardin said you should never keep bread in the refrigerator because it stales much faster at cold temperatures.
“Instead, store it in a bread box or a cool, dry cupboard,” she added.
Hardin also gave a quick tip if the sliced bride starts to age before finishing the load.
“Put it in the freezer! Remove a slice or two as needed, toast straight from frozen, and enjoy fresh bread every time,” she explained.
PRODUCTION PROBLEMS
“Products such as potatoes, onions and garlic should never be stored in the refrigerator”, said the businessman.
She advised keeping them in cool, dark places for “optimal freshness.”
“However, storing potatoes with onions is a big no-no! Onions release ethylene gas, making potatoes sprout faster, so keep them separate,” she warned.
SEPARATE FRUITS AND VEGETABLES
Hardin said it’s crucial to keep certain fruits and vegetables separate because ethylene gas is a “sneaky villain” that speeds ripening.
Certain fruits and vegetables, such as apples, avocados, and melons, release this.
“Store these guys away from ethylene-sensitive produce like leafy greens, broccoli and berries,” she suggested.
Also, make sure you use the best spot in your home to store specific groceries.
“Storing tomatoes on the kitchen counter can maintain their texture and flavor better than storing them in the refrigerator,” added the expert.
PACKAGING METHOD
Hardin recommended wrapping fresh herbs like parsley, cilantro and basil in slightly damp paper towels to keep them crisp and flavorful for longer.
Then place them in a plastic bag or resealable container in the refrigerator.
Additionally, storing freshly cut herbs in an oiled ice cube tray and freezing them in batches keeps them fresh if you don’t use them in time.
This trick also works with fresh garlic, pepper and ginger.
BEST BATH
Vinegar has been proven to be a natural disinfectant and all-purpose cleaner.
“Washing fruits and vegetables in a mixture of water and vinegar will remove bacteria and disinfect the produce, keeping it fresher longer,” Hardin said.
She recommended making a mixture of one part vinegar and three parts water in a bowl or clean skin.
Let the fruit or vegetables sit for 15 minutes and then rinse them before storing them properly.
Easy Gardening Tips to Save Money, Maximize Space, and Repel Pests
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- Banana peels, vinegar and coffee grounds are often recommended as natural fertilizers.
- Dollar Tree sells four packets of seeds for $1.25.
- Try a vertical planter like the one from Amazon Mr. Stacky 5-Tier Stackable Planter$35 to make the most of a small space.
- Use networks like Garden Netting Pest Barrier$8, from Amazon to ward off bugs eating your vegetables.
- Try sacrificial planting to reduce pesticide use and keep pests out of your garden. Deliberately growing certain plants to attract agricultural pests can keep them away from the plants you want to protect. Examples include marigolds, lavender, catnip and chives.
- For pesky weeds in your garden, the Grampa’s Weeder – The Original Weed Puller Tool with Long Handles$45, from Amazon it’s a handy tool you can use without having to bend over.
SALTY SOLUTION
If you want to prevent bacteria from growing in the milk and spoiling it, add a little salt.
“When you first open the milk, add a pinch of salt, shake well and refrigerate as quickly as possible,” Hardin revealed.
Be sure to also use the coldest areas of the refrigerator to keep the milk cool.
FIRST IN FIRST OUT
When restocking your pantry or refrigerator, Hardin said to often follow the “first in, first out” rule.
“Move older items to the front and put newer items to the back,” she explained.
This prompts you to use older ingredients first and reduces the likelihood of them expiring before you can use them.
REMOVE PACKAGING
Lastly, Hardin said to “always remove foods from their original packaging and place them in specialized storage solutions.”
Produce protectors can extend the shelf life of strawberries, other fruits and cheese.
Try using paper towels to absorb moisture from berries and salads, she added.
By implementing these tips and tricks into your life, you can help reduce food waste while keeping your ingredients fresher for longer.
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