In the refrigerator, in the crisper, cool, dark or dry? How should fruits and vegetables be stored and kept properly so that these foods stay fresh for as long as possible? Here are the most important tips on popular fruits and vegetables.
Store apples
Apples continue to ripen after harvest, improving their flavor and then tasting sweeter. With increasing storage time, the vitamin content decreases. This process can be slowed down by storing apples at a low temperature (four degrees Celsius is optimal) high humidity and good ventilation. The fruits should lie next to each other without touching. Dark cellars, frost-proof garages or a cool attic are suitable for this purpose.
Broccoli into the vegetable compartment
Broccoli can be stored in a cool, dark place in the vegetable compartment of the refrigerator for two to three days.
Mushrooms in the refrigerator
Mushrooms will stay fresh in the refrigerator for up to three days.
Store strawberries
Strawberries are among the most delicate fruits and are therefore best eaten directly. They lose flavor just a few hours after harvest. Strawberries keep up to two days in the vegetable compartment of the refrigerator. It is important to store the fruit unwashed and covered. Since they are sensitive to pressure, shallow containers should be used. Because strawberries quickly grow mold, damaged fruit must be removed from the others. Moldy strawberries belong in the trash. It is not enough to cut off the affected areas, because mold spores easily spread throughout the fruit, even if they are not yet visible.
Iceberg lettuce
This lettuce will keep for about five days in the refrigerator.
Cucumbers do not put in the refrigerator
Never store cucumbers in the refrigerator, ideal for them is a temperature of 13 to 15 degrees Celsius.
Store potatoes
Potatoes can be stored for weeks, even in large quantities. Prerequisites are storage, cellar or storage rooms that are cool, frost-free, dry and darkened. The optimum storage temperature is between four and six degrees. Potatoes should not be stored in foil packaging. Those who do not have adequate storage space should buy only small quantities of potatoes and consume them quickly. If stored incorrectly, potatoes will sprout and may produce the toxic substance solanine. Solanine is found in the green colored areas and in the sprouts. It is essential to cut these out in large areas before use.
Kohlrabi
Kohlrabi will keep in the refrigerator for about a week.
Keep herbs fresh
Herbs – if they are not to be used immediately – can be wrapped in a damp cloth or placed wet in a plastic bag. A whole bunch is best placed like cut flowers in a glass full of water and then placed in the refrigerator. Prepared in this way, herbs will keep fresh for several days.
Store leeks
Leeks (leeks) can be stored in the refrigerator for about a week.
Store peppers
Peppers do not belong in the refrigerator. A storage temperature of ten to twelve degrees Celsius is ideal.
Asparagus
Asparagus comes in white, purple or green. Sunlight causes the white asparagus spears, which are initially completely covered with soil, to turn purple, then later green. Fresh asparagus must be stored clean, cold and covered. Wrapped in a damp cloth, fresh asparagus can be stored in the refrigerator for two to three days. Green asparagus should be stored upright and standing in water. Fresh asparagus can be recognized by tightly closed tips and the same diameter in each case. The ends of the asparagus should not be dried off. However, some merchants trim the ends again before the produce is put on display. Asparagus is fresh when a bright sound is heard when two spears are carefully slapped together.
Tomatoes are delicate
Tomatoes are delicate fruits that do not belong in the refrigerator. There they lose flavor. Fresh tomatoes are best placed in an airy and shady place. Consume ripe fruit within four to five days. However, tomatoes continue to ripen even when they are no longer hanging on the bush. Therefore, unripe fruits can be placed in a sunny place. Post-ripening works best when the tomatoes still have stems and flower set.
Zucchini like it cool and dark
Zucchini will keep fresh for three to five days in cool, dark conditions, but should not be stored in the refrigerator.
By the way…
Apples and tomatoes emit the natural “ripening gas” ethylene. It causes green parts of plants to turn yellow. Fruits and vegetables age quickly. Fruits that are next to apples and tomatoes ripen faster, but also spoil more easily. If apples and tomatoes are placed together, they also ripen faster. Broccoli, cucumbers and kiwi, for example, are also sensitive to ethylene. Leeks and mushrooms, among others, are insensitive to the ripening gas.
