How to Keep Fruits and Vegetables Fresh and Crunchy in the Fridge—Ever Tried Lemon Water?

Nobody likes wasting food or money, yet spoiled veggies and fruits often go unnoticed in the fridge until it's too late. Fortunately, a few simple storage tricks can keep your fruits and vegetables fresh for longer and help you save on groceries.

The first step to reducing waste is to shop carefully, buy only what you need, and arrange your fridge to make food more visible. When you're strategic about what you buy and organize it well, you're less likely to forget about it until it spoils. But proper storage techniques for each type of fruit and vegetable can make all the difference in preserving freshness.

Leafy Greens and Fresh Herbs

Leafy greens like lettuce, spinach, and kale are prone to wilting quickly. To keep them fresh, wrap the leaves in a damp paper towel and place them in a container or produce drawer. The slight moisture helps maintain crispness while preventing wilting. For fresh herbs like cilantro, dill, and parsley, treat them like a bouquet—trim the ends, place them in a glass of water, and cover them loosely with a plastic bag. This method can extend their life significantly.

Crisp Vegetables Like Celery and Carrots

Celery and carrots are notorious for becoming rubbery. To keep them crisp, wrap celery tightly in aluminum foil before refrigerating. For carrots, storing them in water can help maintain crunchiness. You can also place cut carrots in a container filled with lemon water, which helps keep them firm and fresh-tasting for longer.

Storing Citrus Fruits

To keep lemons and limes juicy, store them in the refrigerator. If you've already cut a lemon, place it in a jar of water or wrap it in beeswax wrap to keep it moist. Lemons stored this way can stay fresh for up to a week. Whole citrus fruits can also be stored in the fridge drawer to extend their shelf life.

Berries

Berries, like strawberries and raspberries, are fragile and prone to mold. Avoid washing berries until just before eating. Instead, store them in a single layer on a large plate or in a spacious container to prevent them from getting crushed. Blueberries and strawberries can last longer in a dry, cool environment, while raspberries should be eaten sooner due to their shorter shelf life. For long-term storage, freeze berries on a baking sheet before transferring to a freezer bag.

Bananas, Tomatoes, and Mushrooms

Bananas are best left on the counter to ripen, but if you want them to last a bit longer, place them in the fridge. Although the peel may turn brown, the inside stays fresh. Tomatoes, on the other hand, lose their flavor and texture when refrigerated, so keep them at room temperature. Mushrooms stay freshest in a paper bag or a clean kitchen towel, which helps absorb excess moisture and prevents sliminess.

Cucumbers, Broccoli, and Zucchini Fresh

Cucumbers and zucchini stay fresher when wrapped in a damp paper towel and placed in the fridge drawer. Broccoli benefits from similar treatment—wrap the stem in a wet paper towel and store it in an open plastic bag to maintain its texture. This technique helps slow down the drying process, so you get more days to enjoy these vegetables.

Don't Refrigerate Potatoes, Onions, or Garlic

Some vegetables fare poorly in the fridge. Potatoes, onions, and garlic are best stored in a cool, dark place like a pantry. The cold environment of a fridge can cause potatoes to turn gritty and onions to soften, so storing them at room temperature keeps them fresh and flavorful longer.

With a few storage tricks and a bit of planning, you can extend the freshness of your produce, cut down on food waste, and make your grocery budget stretch further. Next time you shop, keep these tips in mind to make the most of your fridge space and keep your fruits and veggies in peak condition.