At kiwilimón, we know that our readers are interested in extending the shelf life of their food for various reasons. On one hand, there's nothing better than cooking with ingredients that are still fresh, as well as making the most of your food and avoiding food waste. However, we also know that it's not an easy task, so we provide you with the best tips to keep fruits and vegetables fresh for longer.

5 ways to extend the shelf life of ingredients
Although it may seem hard to believe, keeping all types of food, from dairy to fruits and vegetables, fresh for longer is actually very easy, as there are different methods that will help you make the most of everything in your kitchen while also caring for the environment and your wallet—don’t miss these tips!

1. Check the temperature of your refrigerator
Before addressing issues of hygiene or organization, it’s important to check if your refrigerator is at the right temperature, as this affects the shelf life of foods such as meat, eggs, dairy, and more.

So before anything else, make sure your refrigerator is at a temperature of 4° C and your freezer is at -18° C, as this is the ideal temperature according to the Food and Drug Administration (FDA).

2. Clean the refrigerator
After ensuring that the refrigerator and freezer are at the perfect temperature, it’s time to clean them and make them squeaky clean for several reasons. Remember that if your refrigerator is clean, you will prevent the proliferation of bacteria, fungi, and germs, which are common when liquids spill or when perishables are left inside for too long.

Experts from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) indicate that the best way to disinfect your refrigerator is as follows:

What you will need: 

• Water
• Chlorine
• Clean cloths
• Soapy water

Instructions
Place spoiled food in bags, seal them, and throw them in the trash.

1. Turn off and unplug the refrigerator.
2. Remove everything from the refrigerator.
3. Take out the drawers and shelves.
4. Wash the shelves and drawers with soapy water.
5. Dilute one tablespoon of chlorine in 3.7 liters of water.
6. Clean the refrigerator with the soapy water, dry it, and apply the chlorine solution.
7. Disinfect the shelves and drawers with the chlorine solution.
8. Dry the inside of the refrigerator with a clean cloth.
9. Disinfect the containers, bottles, and bags with soapy water and dry before storing.
10. Repeat the same process with the freezer.

You can also read: How and why to disinfect your refrigerator 

3. When to wash fruits and vegetables?
Another good way to ensure you extend their shelf life is to wash them just before cooking, as washing everything before storing it in the refrigerator generates moisture, which accelerates the decomposition process and promotes the proliferation of bacteria and fungi.

4. Store food correctly
Another great tip for extending the shelf life of your ingredients is to store them correctly. For example, check the symbols that come on the refrigerator drawers, as these indicate what is best to store there: dairy, meat, fruits, vegetables, and more.

On the other hand, it is also recommended to store herbs like cilantro and parsley in a container with water, like a bouquet of flowers. This method also works for asparagus and green onions. In the case of mushrooms, they will stay fresher if stored in a paper bag, while potatoes are better kept outside the refrigerator.

5. Use CitroBiox™
In addition to considering the previous tips and advice, the most effective method to extend the shelf life of your food is to use a bit of CitroBiox™, a 100% natural disinfectant made from citrus, so it is non-toxic. The best part is that it eliminates 99.99% of harmful microorganisms and also extends the shelf life of your food.

Don’t wait any longer and get CitroBiox™, it will help everything stay in perfect condition for longer! Here we teach you how to use it step by step; it’s very easy!

You can also read: Which foods should not be stored in the refrigerator?