Eating more fruits and vegetables is a requirement for every healthy eater. But when you buy more fresh produce, do you end up throwing away more than you eat? You're not alone. According to the Natural Resources Defense Council "American families throw out approximately 25 percent of the food and beverages they buy. The cost estimate for
the average family of four is $1,365 to $2,275 annually."
Storing fresh produce is a little more complicated than you might think. If you want to prevent spoilage, certain foods shouldn't be stored together at all, while others that we commonly keep in the fridge should actually be left on the countertop. To keep your produce optimally fresh (and cut down on food waste), use this handy guide. Countertop Storage Tips There’s nothing as inviting as a big bowl of crisp apples on the kitchen counter. To keep those apples crisp and all countertop-stored produce fresh, store them out of direct sunlight, either directly on the countertop, in an uncovered bowl, or inside a perforated plastic bag. Refrigerator Storage Tips For produce that is best stored in the refrigerator, remember the following guidelines.
Be sure to "Pin" this chart and color-coded key:
*More about Ethylene: Food is expensive, and most people can't afford to waste it. Print off this handy chart to keep in your kitchen so you can refer to it after every shopping trip. Then you'll be able to follow-through with your good intentions to eat your 5-9 servings a day, instead of letting all of that healthy food go to waste. |
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