Fruits and vegetables are an important part of a healthy diet. However, they are also perishable items that tend to go bad quickly, especially when stored in the wrong way.

In this article, we have compiled a list of 30 tips to help you keep your fruits and vegetables fresh for longer in the fridge.

1. Store Fruits and Vegetables Separately

Fruits and vegetables should be stored separately because fruits give off a gas called ethylene, which can cause vegetables to ripen and spoil faster. Store fruits in a separate drawer or on a different shelf from the vegetables.

2. Keep the Temperature Set Appropriate

The temperature of your fridge should be set between 32 to 40 degrees Fahrenheit to ensure that fruits and vegetables are properly chilled without being frozen.

3. Wrap Greens in Paper Towels

Leafy greens, such as lettuce and spinach, tend to wilt and get soggy quickly if they are not stored properly. To keep them fresh for longer, wrap them in a paper towel and place them in a plastic bag or container with a lid.

4. Store Fresh Herbs in a Jar

Fresh herbs, such as parsley, cilantro, and basil, should be kept in a jar with a little bit of water covering the bottom of the stems. Cover the top of the herbs with a plastic bag and store them in the fridge.

This will keep the herbs fresh for longer and prevent them from wilting.

5. Use a Crisper Drawer for Produce

Most fridges come with a crisper drawer designed specifically for fruits and vegetables. These drawers help to maintain the right humidity for produce. Store your fruits and vegetables in the crisper drawer to keep them fresh for longer.

6. Remove Tops from Root Vegetables

Root vegetables, such as carrots, beets, and radishes, should have their tops removed before being stored in the fridge. The tops pull moisture from the root vegetables, which can cause them to go bad faster.

7. Keep Mushrooms Dry

Mushrooms should be stored in a dry environment to avoid them becoming slimy. Line a container with a paper towel and place the mushrooms inside, then cover with a lid.

8. Store Tomatoes at Room Temperature

Tomatoes should be stored at room temperature, away from direct sunlight. Storing them in the fridge can cause them to lose their flavor and become mushy.

9. Keep Bananas Separate

Bananas give off a lot of ethylene gas, which can affect the ripening process of other fruits and vegetables. Store bananas separately from other produce to prevent this from happening.

10. Keep Apples Away from Other Produce

Apples also give off ethylene gas, but they can also absorb it. This can cause other fruits and vegetables to prematurely ripen. Store apples separately from other produce to prevent this from happening.

11. Use a Special Produce Storage Container

There are special containers available that are designed specifically for storing produce in the fridge. These containers help to maintain the optimal humidity and temperature and keep the produce fresh for longer.

12. Keep Garlic and Onions in a Cool, Dry Place

Garlic and onions should not be stored in the fridge. Instead, they should be kept in a cool, dry place, away from direct sunlight. Storing them in the fridge can cause them to become moldy and soft.

13. Store Citrus Fruits in the Fridge

Citrus fruits, such as oranges and lemons, should be stored in the fridge to maintain their freshness. However, they should be brought to room temperature before consuming to maximize their flavor.

14. Wash Produce Before Storing

It’s important to wash your fruits and vegetables before storing them in the fridge. This will help to remove any dirt or bacteria that could cause them to rot faster.

15. Dry Produce Thoroughly

After washing your produce, make sure to dry it thoroughly. Excess moisture on the surface of the fruits and vegetables can cause them to become moldy and spoil faster.

16. Store Berries in a Colander

Berries, such as strawberries and blueberries, should be stored in a colander to allow air to circulate around them. This will prevent them from becoming moldy and spoiling quickly.

17. Wrap Cut Produce in Plastic Wrap

If you have cut fruits or vegetables, such as avocados or tomatoes, wrap them in plastic wrap to keep them fresh for longer. This will help to prevent them from drying out or becoming too mushy.

18. Use Glass Containers for Storage

Glass containers are a great way to store produce in the fridge. They are free from harmful chemicals, stackable, and allow you to see what’s inside without having to open the container.

19. Don’t Overfill the Fridge

It’s important not to overfill your fridge, as this can restrict air flow and cause some areas of the fridge to become warmer than others. This can cause your produce to spoil faster.

20. Store Fruit Salad in an Airtight Container

If you’ve made a fruit salad, store it in an airtight container in the fridge. This will help to maintain the freshness of the fruit and prevent it from becoming mushy.

21. Keep Avocados Whole

Avocados should be stored whole. If you need to store a half avocado, leave the pit in and wrap it tightly in plastic wrap. This will prevent them from browning and becoming mushy.

22. Freeze Fruits and Vegetables

If you have excess produce that you’re not going to use before it goes bad, consider freezing it. This will allow you to store the produce for later use and prevent it from going to waste.

23. Use a Produce Saver Ball

Produce saver balls are small balls made of clay that help to absorb excess moisture in the fridge and create a more stable environment for produce. They can help to keep your fruits and vegetables fresh for longer.

24. Rotate Your Produce

It’s important to rotate your produce regularly to ensure that the older items are used up first before they spoil. This can help to prevent waste and keep your fridge organized.

25. Store Cut Produce Upside Down

If you’ve cut a fruit or vegetable, store it upside down in the fridge. This will help to keep them fresh for longer by preventing moisture from accumulating on the cut surface.

26. Keep Potatoes in a Dark Place

Potatoes should be stored in a cool, dark place, away from direct sunlight. Exposure to light can cause them to become green and produce a bitter taste.

27. Store Melons Whole

Melons, such as watermelon and honeydew, should be stored whole. If you need to store a cut melon, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap.

28. Keep Berries Dry

Berries are delicate and can spoil quickly if they are not stored properly. Keep them dry by washing them just before you are ready to use them and storing them in a dry container.

29. Use a Food Vacuum Sealer

A food vacuum sealer is a great tool for preserving produce. It removes all of the air from the container, which helps to prevent mold and bacteria growth.

30. Donate Produce Before it Goes Bad

If you have excess produce that you’re not going to use before it goes bad, consider donating it to a local food bank. This will help to prevent food waste and ensure that others have access to fresh produce.

Conclusion

Keeping your fruits and vegetables fresh in the fridge can be a challenge, but with these 30 tips, you should be well on your way to reducing waste and enjoying fresh produce for longer.

Remember to store your produce in the right location, wrap it properly, and remove any excess moisture before storing it. By doing these things, you can extend the life of your fruits and vegetables and reduce the amount of food waste in your home.