Fruits and vegetables are in greater abundance in the summer.

If we are being honest, we often purchase produce with good intentions... but too often fruit and vegetables go to our refrigerator only to die.

Storage Tips

Proper storage is essential to keep produce fresh and extend its life. Here are some helpful tips:

Fruit

• Bananas--Wrap aluminum foil around the tops of the banana to keep them from ripening as quickly. Wrapping the stem in foil can make your bananas last up to one week longer!
• Avocados—Store avocados in the fridge until ready to ripen on the counter. Storing the fruit (yes, avocado is a fruit) in the fridge delays the ripening. That way, your bag of avocados do not all ripen all at once. After cutting an avocado, you can store half of the unused avocado with the seed and skin still intact in cup of water in the fridge to last another one to two days without browning.
• Citrus fruit—specifically limes and lemons—can last longer if stored in a bowl or container of water in the fridge.

Vegetables

• Greens—placing a paper towel in a bag or container of greens can keep the moisture away and delay wilting. Lettuces like iceberg and romaine will wilt faster than heartier greens like spinach and kale. In addition, cabbage and slaw have a long life and can be a great crunchy addition to a salad, tacos or pasta dish.
• Fresh herbs—herbs with a skin like basil, cilantro or green onions can last longer and be ready to use after storing the stems in a cup or jar of water in the fridge. This method can also lengthen the life of fresh asparagus.

The best way to keep your produce fresh to be able enjoy its benefits is to prioritize your produce! Try to plan your meals and snacks around what you will actually be able to eat. Eat fruits and vegetables before pantry foods to help decrease food waste.