One of the biggest challenges when it comes to eating a healthy diet is keeping vegetables fresh in the refrigerator. Vegetables have a limited lifespan and can quickly lose their nutritional value when they are not stored properly.

Luckily, there are several tips and tricks you can use to keep your veggies fresh for as long as possible. Here are some of the best ways to store vegetables in the refrigerator.

Store leafy greens properly

Leafy greens like lettuce, spinach, and kale are some of the most commonly used vegetables in a healthy diet. However, these greens can go bad quickly if they are not stored properly in the refrigerator.

To keep your leafy greens fresh, wrap them in a paper towel or a clean kitchen towel and store them in a plastic bag. Make sure to remove as much air as possible from the bag before sealing it.

If you have a lot of greens that you need to store at once, consider investing in a vegetable storage container. These containers are specifically designed to keep vegetables fresh for longer periods of time.

They usually have a built-in vent that allows excess moisture to escape, which can help prevent wilting and spoilage.

Use a vegetable drawer

Most refrigerators come with a vegetable drawer, but many people do not use it properly. The vegetable drawer is designed to keep vegetables fresh by controlling the temperature and humidity.

Make sure that the drawer is set to the proper temperature (usually around 40 degrees Fahrenheit) and keep the humidity level high by adding a damp paper towel or a bowl of water to the drawer.

When storing vegetables in the drawer, keep them separate from fruits. Fruits give off a gas called ethylene, which can cause vegetables to ripen and spoil more quickly.

If you need to store fruits and vegetables together, make sure to keep them in separate drawers or compartments.

Store vegetables in perforated bags

Perforated bags are specially designed to allow air to circulate around the vegetables, which can help prevent moisture buildup and mold growth.

You can purchase perforated bags at most grocery stores, or you can make your own by poking several holes into a plastic bag with a knife or fork.

Some vegetables that can be stored in perforated bags include carrots, broccoli, cauliflower, and mushrooms. Before storing your vegetables in the bags, make sure to wash and dry them thoroughly.

Wrap vegetables in plastic wrap

If you have vegetables that tend to dry out quickly, like asparagus or green beans, you can wrap them in plastic wrap to keep them fresh for longer. Cut off the tough ends of the vegetables and wrap them tightly in plastic wrap.

Store them in the vegetable drawer or in a container in the refrigerator.

Keep onions and garlic in a cool, dry place

Onions and garlic should not be stored in the refrigerator. Instead, store them in a cool, dry place like a pantry or a cupboard. Make sure that the place you choose is well-ventilated and away from sunlight.

Do not store onions and garlic near potatoes or other vegetables that give off moisture, as this can cause them to spoil more quickly.

Store potatoes properly

Potatoes should also be stored in a cool, dry place. If possible, store them in a paper bag or a burlap sack. This will help to absorb excess moisture and prevent mold growth.

Do not store potatoes near onions or garlic, as this can cause them to sprout more quickly.

Freeze your vegetables

If you have vegetables that are starting to go bad but you do not want to waste them, consider freezing them. Many vegetables can be blanched and frozen for future use, including carrots, peas, green beans, and broccoli.

Blanching involves placing the vegetables in boiling water for a few minutes, then immediately transferring them to ice water to stop the cooking process. Once the vegetables have cooled, drain them well and freeze them in plastic bags or containers.

Rotate your vegetables

When storing vegetables in the refrigerator, make sure to rotate them regularly. This will help to prevent mold growth and ensure that all of your vegetables are being used before they go bad.

Keep track of the expiration dates on your vegetables and use the ones that are closest to expiration first.

By following these tips and tricks, you can keep your vegetables fresh in the refrigerator for as long as possible.

Not only will this help you save money on groceries, but it will also ensure that you are getting the maximum nutritional value from your vegetables.