How to Store Your Fruits and Vegetables for Maximum Freshness

Keeping your fruits and vegetables fresh for as long as possible not only helps reduce food waste but also ensures that you enjoy the best flavors and nutrients. Proper storage techniques can significantly extend the shelf life of your produce. Here are some essential tips to help you store your fruits and vegetables correctly.

1. Store Fruits and Vegetables Separately

Many fruits release ethylene gas, which can speed up the ripening and spoilage of nearby vegetables. Keep ethylene-producing fruits like bananas, apples, and tomatoes separate from leafy greens, carrots, and other ethylene-sensitive vegetables.

2. Use the Right Storage Locations

Refrigerator: Leafy greens, berries, carrots, and broccoli should be kept in the fridge’s crisper drawer for optimal freshness.

Room Temperature: Tomatoes, bananas, potatoes, and onions should be stored in a cool, dry place outside the fridge.

Cool, Dark Place: Garlic, onions, and potatoes last longer when stored in a dark pantry or cabinet away from moisture.

3. Avoid Washing Before Storage

Excess moisture can accelerate spoilage. Only wash your produce right before consuming or cooking. If you must wash beforehand, dry the items thoroughly with a clean towel.

4. Use Proper Containers

Store berries in a breathable container lined with paper towels to absorb excess moisture.

Keep carrots and celery submerged in water in a sealed container in the fridge to maintain crispness.

Wrap leafy greens in a dry paper towel before placing them in a sealed bag or container.

5. Freeze for Longevity

If you have an abundance of fresh produce, freezing is a great way to preserve it. Chop and blanch vegetables like spinach, beans, and carrots before freezing them in airtight bags. Fruits like berries and sliced bananas can be frozen directly.

6. Rotate Your Stock

When replenishing your produce, move older items to the front and place new ones at the back. This ensures you use the older produce first, reducing waste.

Visit the Farmers' Market at Deerfields Mall for the Freshest Produce!

Want the freshest, locally sourced fruits and vegetables? The much-loved Farmers' Market at Deerfields Mall is back, running from 17th January to 23rd February 2025. Held on weekends (Friday, Saturday, and Sunday) from 5:00 PM to 10:00 PM at the Garden Level, this vibrant market offers a wide selection of fresh, organic produce straight from local farms.

Enjoy live entertainment, fun kids' planting classes, and an unbeatable marketplace experience that supports sustainability and community engagement. In partnership with Abu Dhabi Agriculture and Food Safety Authority, the Farmers' Market is a celebration of freshness, local farming, and sustainability.

Mark your calendars and join us for an exciting weekend filled with fresh produce, engaging activities, and the chance to win amazing prizes! See you at Deerfields Mall!