Save Money and Reduce Food Waste with These 5 Simple Hacks
Are you tired of throwing away spoiled fruits and vegetables? Do you want to make the most out of your grocery shopping? Look no further! With these 5 simple storage hacks, you can keep your fruits fresh for longer and reduce food waste.
Keep bananas fresh for up to two weeks
Bananas are one of the most wasted foods in the UK, with an estimated 1.4 million bananas being thrown away every day. But did you know that storing bananas in the fridge is the best way to keep them fresh? The skins may turn brown, but the banana inside will remain fresh for up to two weeks. You can even prevent that strong banana smell from permeating your entire fridge by placing the bananas in a brown paper bag and tying the top.
Add a cinnamon stick to keep strawberries fresh
Strawberries are notorious for their short shelf life. But did you know that adding a cinnamon stick to your berry tray can help extend their shelf life? The chemicals in cinnamon combat fruit decay, so adding a couple of sticks to your berry tray can keep them fresh for longer. Even used cinnamon sticks can be repurposed for this, just ensure they’re dried before reuse.
Preserve avocados with chopped onions
Avocados can be pricey, but with this simple hack, you can get more bang for your buck. Try preserving them longer, especially once they’ve been halved. A cut avocado will brown within hours, but storing it in an airtight container with chopped onions can keep it fresh and green for much longer.
Store tomatoes at room temperature to keep them fresh
Tomatoes might seem like a natural fit for the fridge, but this can actually ruin their flavour and texture. Instead, store them at room temperature to keep them fresh. The secret to keeping tomatoes fresh lies in preventing moisture from escaping the fruit. Hence, it’s suggested to place the tomatoes upside down with the stem side on a plate to minimise air exposure and evaporation.
Soak apple slices in salt water to keep them fresh
While apples generally have a long shelf life, once they’re cut, they can brown quickly. To avoid this, you can immerse them in salt water. Salt acts as a preservative and adding a smidgen of salt to the soaking water can keep the apple slices looking fresh. Dissolve a quarter teaspoon of salt into a cup of water, add the apple slices, let them soak for one-three minutes, then drain them in a colander. Rinse the slices with fresh water.
By following these simple storage hacks, you can reduce food waste, save money, and enjoy your fruits and vegetables for longer. So, give them a try and see the difference for yourself!
