Tips to Keep Fruits and Veggies Fresh

It is frustrating when lettuce turns brown and carrots and celery go limp.  The plans for a nice salad or vegetable tray with dinner have been foiled and the veggies thrown into the garbage…money down the drain!  Though produce doesn’t last as long as other foods, there is a way to keep it fresher longer.

The ideal temperature setting for the refrigerator is 34-40 F (1-4 C). Disease-carrying bacteria thrive above 40 and below 40 will cause vegetables to freeze.

The “crisper drawers” do just what their name implies; they are designed to store fruits and vegetables and some refrigerator models come with humidity controls.  If you have more than one crisper drawer you can store vegetables together according to humidity requirements.  An open setting lets out moist air - which is good for vegetables like onions, garlic, and winter squash.  A closed setting keeps moist air in, which is good for leafy greens, cucumbers, root vegetables, celery, and peppers. 

Crisper drawers are most effective when they’re at least two-thirds full.

Don’t wash your vegetables before refrigerating - wash before eating.

Remove tops from beets, carrots, parsnips, and radishes before storing.

Keep ethylene-emitting foods wrapped.  Foods that emit ethylene include apples, avocados, bananas, pears, peaches, plums, cantaloupes, honey dew melons, mushrooms, and tomatoes.  Those that absorb ethylene include leafy greens, beans, carrots, cucumbers, eggplant, peas, peppers, and potatoes.  

Fruits and vegetables can produce odors which are absorbed by other fruits and vegetables.  Vegetables that lose moisture quickly should be wrapped or stored in plastic bags or containers. 

The service manual is a very important reference tool and should be kept handy.  It will contain a guide for properly storing food to keep it fresh longer and other tips for keeping the refrigerator and freezer operating efficiently.  The troubleshooting section can be helpful in avoiding a service call by offering a simple solution.  The care and maintenance section will offer tips on extending longevity.

Fresh food goes with good wine so read Benefits to Having a Wine Cooler

About SoBellas Appliance LLC:  SoBellas Appliance Repair is authorized to service most makes and models of home appliances.  SoBellas also provides appliance maintenance service including dryer vent cleaning.  With over 35 years experience in the appliance service industry, owner Mike LaBeau has served area residents since 2008.  SoBellas screened technicians provide same-day appliance service and provide a 1 year warranty on parts and labor.