Wasted Food = Wasted Money
Have you ever gone to the grocery store with the best intentions to eat healthy, but then wound up with a fridge full things like wilted lettuce, fuzz-covered raspberries, or other wasted ingredients?
If so, you are not alone. The average US household wastes nearly 32% of the food they purchase each year! One way we can reduce our food waste is by learning how to properly store fresh ingredients. These storage hacks will help you keep your favorite ingredients fresher for longer, so they wind up on your plate, instead of in your trash.
1. Treat herbs & other leafy greens like flowers. Snip the stems, then place them in a glass of water in the fridge. This also works for celery, broccoli, and asparagus!
2. Do more than just hang your bananas. First, cover the stem of your bananas in plastic wrap or foil, then hang in an open space far away all other produce.
3. Store onions in pantyhose. Start by placing one onion inside the toe of the pantyhose, tie a knot, and then repeat. Then, hang them on a hook in the pantry to not only preserve freshness, but this will save pantry space as well!
4. Avocados are all about timing. Let your avocados ripen on the counter, then move them to the fridge just before they’re ready to eat. Not sure if your avocado is ready to eat? Find the spot where the stem was originally cut. Gently try to remove the remaining stem. If it comes off easily & reveals a bright green center, it’s good to go! If not, store on the counter or in an oven mitt to ripen more quickly.
Some food waste is inevitable, but small changes here and there can help you reduce food waste without sacrificing your ability to use fresh ingredients.
Photo: ©iStock.com/lithiumcloud
