How to Make Fresh Produce Last Twice As Long

If you’re tired of tossing wilted lettuce, moldy berries, and wrinkly cucumbers, you’re not alone. So much produce ends up in the trash before it even has a chance to get used.

But with a few simple changes, you can make your produce last twice as long, which will save you money and drastically cut down on food waste.

Use the Right Containers

The type of container you use can make a big difference in how long produce stays fresh. Instead of keeping leafy greens in the bags they come in, switch to airtight containers with a paper towel inside. The paper towel absorbs excess moisture, preventing them from getting soggy and keeping them crisp.

For berries, wash and dry them thoroughly before storing them in a glass container with a paper towel. This method keeps them firm and fresh for over a week without going mushy.

Store the Right Way

Not all produce should be stored the same way. Throwing everything into the fridge might seem like the safest option, but it’s not always the best move. Some fruits and veggies actually do better on the counter.

For example, bananas are best left on the countertop, away from everything else, to avoid overripening.

This helpful guide shows you the best way to store common fruits and vegetables, as well as produce you should not be storing together.

Vinegar Wash For Berries and Greens

One of the best ways to extend the life of your berries and leafy greens is with a vinegar wash. The acidity of the vinegar helps kill off mold spores and bacteria that cause spoilage.

How to Do a Vinegar Wash

1. Mix 1 part white vinegar with 3 parts water in a large bowl.
2. Submerge your berries or leafy greens and gently swish them around.
3. Let them soak for about 5 minutes.
4. Rinse thoroughly with cold water to remove the vinegar taste.
5. Lay them out on a clean towel to air dry completely before storing.

Mason Jar Vacuum Sealer

To keep your produce fresh for as long as possible, try storing it in Mason jars and sealing them with a Mason jar vacuum sealer. This method creates an airtight seal, significantly extending the life of your fruits and vegetables.

I got mine on Amazon for around $20, which is a lot cheaper than a vacuum sealer machine.

While using a vacuum sealer machine or canning will make the produce last longer, I still found the Mason jar vacuum sealer prolonged my berries, greens, and veggies for a lot longer in the fridge.

Revive Wilted Veggies

Wilted veggies aren’t always a lost cause. Soak them in a bowl of ice water for 15–20 minutes to bring them back to life. This works exceptionally well for carrots, celery, and leafy greens.

Instead of tossing them, try rehydrating first. You’d be surprised how often this little trick works.

Freeze What You Can’t Use

If you know you’re not going to get through a whole bag of spinach or a bunch of herbs before they go bad, freeze them.

Here’s how to freeze herbs:

1. Chop up herbs and put them in ice cube trays.
2. Fill the trays with olive oil or water.
3. Freeze and store in a labeled freezer bag.

For spinach or kale, blanch them quickly in boiling water, drain, and freeze in airtight bags.

When To Wash Your Produce

Knowing when to wash your produce is key to making it last longer. Some produce should be washed right away, but for other items, the extra moisture can make them go bad faster.

Wash Right Away

• Berries and Leafy Greens: Wash and soak them in vinegar.
• Herbs (Cilantro, Parsley, Mint): Wash, dry, and wrap in a slightly damp paper towel or store upright in water like a bouquet.

Wait to Wash Until Ready to Use:

• Mushrooms: Moisture makes them slimy, so just brush off the dirt.
• Peppers: Washing too early can trap moisture, leading to mold.
• Carrots, Radishes, and Potatoes: Moisture speeds up rot; brush off dirt instead.
• Cucumbers and Zucchini: Washing before storing can create soft spots.

Quick Tips to Make Produce Last Longer

• Avoid overcrowding: Give produce space to breathe.
• Check for mold: One bad berry can spoil the whole bunch.
• Rotate older items to the front: Use what you bought first to avoid waste.

Following these simple tips can easily double the life of your fresh produce, cutting down on food waste and stretching your grocery budget further.