We will tell you how to properly store the main sources of vitamins to extend their freshness.
Errors in Storing Vegetables and Fruits
Vegetables and fruits are important components of a balanced and healthy diet. They provide the body with essential nutrients such as vitamins, minerals, and fiber. Improper storage can lead to rapid deterioration of product quality, as noted by aussiedlerbote.de. Vitamins are particularly vulnerable to changes in temperature and light, so it is important to avoid common mistakes in their storage.
Temperature and humidity play a key role in maintaining the freshness of products. Many people store fruits and vegetables in the refrigerator without considering the consequences.
For example, fruits that grow in southern regions are best stored at temperatures between 8 and 13 degrees. If they end up in a colder place, they can lose up to 70 percent of their vitamins in just two days.
Additionally, vitamins are extremely sensitive to light. Therefore, fruits and vegetables that are not kept in the refrigerator should be stored in a dark place.
Errors in Storing Vegetables
Proper storage of vegetables helps maintain their freshness and safety for consumption. Some need to be stored in the refrigerator, others should ripen beforehand, and some are better left at room temperature or in a cool, dry place.
How to Keep Greens Fresh
Leafy greens stay fresh longer if washed and wrapped in a paper towel. In this form, they can be placed in a container or a sealed bag, and then in the refrigerator. This method is suitable for lettuce, bok choy, Swiss chard, parsley, dill, and spinach.
Even if you buy pre-washed greens, it is recommended to wash them again upon returning home. The sooner they are in the refrigerator, the longer they will stay fresh.
Storing Asparagus
Asparagus is best stored in the refrigerator, with the stems remaining moist. To do this, they can be wrapped in a damp paper towel or placed upright in a container of water.
Storing Pumpkin and Root Vegetables
Pumpkin and root vegetables should be stored in a cool, dark, and dry place, but the refrigerator is not suitable for this. It is best to place them in a cupboard or, if available, in a cellar. This way, garlic, onions, potatoes, yams, and pumpkin can be preserved.
Storing Tomatoes
To keep tomatoes tasty, they should be stored at room temperature, away from direct sunlight. This promotes even ripening. Once they reach the desired ripeness, they can be placed in the refrigerator.
How Long Do Canned Vegetables Last?
Canned vegetables can be stored for 1 to 2 years. It is recommended to label the jar with the date to track how long it has been in your cupboard. However, jars that have not been damaged and have been stored properly remain safe for consumption even after this period.
Freeze Vegetables If You Can't Eat Them Right Away
Freezing vegetables at home is a quick and easy way to preserve nutrients and enjoy the taste of summer vegetables all year round.
Most vegetables need to be blanched before freezing. This means boiling whole or chopped pieces of vegetables for 1-2 minutes and then immediately placing them in ice water to stop the cooking process. This helps prevent freezer burn. Frozen vegetables can be stored for up to a year.
Freezing is not recommended for artichokes, Belgian endive, eggplants, salad greens, potatoes (except for mashed), radishes, sprouts, and sweet potatoes.
Errors in Storing Fruits
Proper storage of fruits helps keep them fresh and tasty for a longer period.
Most fresh fruits, such as apples, berries, and grapes, will last longer if stored in their original packaging. The optimal place for them is the refrigerator door.
Berries can be stored in the refrigerator for about a week. It is recommended to consume them as soon as possible to avoid spoilage.
Plastic bags with small ventilation holes help keep fruits fresh longer by allowing moisture to evaporate. They are perfect for grapes, blueberries, cherries, or strawberries.
Interesting fact: apples speed up the ripening of other fruits and vegetables. Therefore, it is better to store them separately from other produce.
Time-saving tip: want some of your fruits to ripen faster? Place them in a paper bag with an apple or banana. These fruits release gas that promotes the ripening of others.
Which Fruits Should Be Stored in the Refrigerator?
Fruits that need to ripen: apricots, avocados, guavas, kiwis, mangoes, melons, nectarines, papayas, peaches, bananas, and plums. Once they reach the desired ripeness, they can be placed in the refrigerator.
Can Fruits Be Stored in a Cellar or Dark Cupboard?
Fruits such as apples can be stored in a cool, dry, and dark place. Both a cellar and a dark cupboard are suitable. The shelf life is about six months, depending on the temperature and humidity of the room.
Freeze Fruits If You Can't Eat Them Right Away
Most fruits can be frozen. This is a great way to enjoy ripe fruits throughout the year. Frozen fruits are perfect for smoothies, adding to hot cereals, using in muffins and quick breads, mixing with yogurt, or making fruit sauce for pancakes and waffles. Most fruits can be stored in the freezer for up to one year.
