The Best Ways to Keep Fruits and Vegetables Fresh

If you do the grocery shopping on the weekend, and by Tuesday or Wednesday your bananas and avocados have already gone bad, the problem may not be that you don't know how to choose your food, but that you don't know how to store it. Discover the best ways to keep your fruits and vegetables fresh for longer.Some foods (just like flowers) produce a gas called ethylene. This gas causes fruits and vegetables to ripen faster. To prevent your fruits and vegetables from spoiling quickly, separate the avocados, bananas, kiwis, mangos, papayas, and tomatoes from apples, asparagus, carrots, cucumbers, lettuces, potatoes, and melons.There are climacteric (like avocado, peach, fig, kiwi, mamey) and non-climacteric (for example, olives, strawberry, cherry, blueberry) fruits and vegetables. The difference between these two is that the former can be bought while still unripe, while the latter should be purchased when they are already ripe. If climacteric foods are not yet ready to eat, leave them out of the refrigerator and wait until they ripen before storing them.Celery requires special care. To keep it fresh, crunchy, and with a deep green color for longer, the best thing you can do is wrap it in aluminum foil. Then, just store it in a section of the refrigerator where nothing else can crush it. papayas and tomatoes from apples, asparagus, carrots, cucumbers, lettuces, potatoes, and melons. Potatoes actually do not require refrigeration. You should just keep them in a cool, dry, and dark place. We also recommend being very attentive and not forgetting about them, as any drop of moisture can cause sprouting and turn your potatoes into little plants.Lettuce, kale, spinach, and similar foods do not have the same shelf life as other fruits and vegetables. Although it is ideal to consume them one or two days after purchasing, you can also extend their freshness by wrapping the leaves in a paper towel and then storing them in a plastic bag.Mushrooms are very delicate, so they do not last long after being cut. To prevent them from spoiling, you should store them in a cool, dry place. Remember that it is very important to keep them away from moisture, as this accelerates the decomposition process of the mushrooms.One of the most common mistakes we make is putting tomatoes in the refrigerator. To keep tomatoes fresh for longer, they should be placed in a container at room temperature. Keep in mind that the cold temperatures of the refrigerator affect the flavor and texture of the tomato, so it is best to keep them on the kitchen counter, away from heat sources and direct sunlight. Apply these tips at home and see how much longer your fruits and vegetables last.