We all know how quickly green leafy vegetables like spinach, kale, amaranth leaves, methi, coriander leaves, and lettuce can wilt or spoil in the fridge. It's frustrating to buy a bunch of fresh greens, only to find them wilt or brown just days later. So, what's the secret to keeping them fresh for longer? The good news is, with a few simple storage tips, you can extend the shelf life of your leafy greens and reduce food waste. Here are some easy-to-follow tips to help keep your greens crisp and fresh in the fridge:
5 Tips To Store Green Leafy Vegetables In Fridge
1. Wash And Dry Thoroughly
While it might seem convenient to store your greens right after buying them, giving them a wash before putting them in the fridge can cause excess moisture. This moisture speeds up wilting and spoilage. Instead, keep them unwashed until you're ready to use them. If you prefer washing them ahead of time, make sure to dry them thoroughly with a salad spinner or a clean kitchen towel. Excess moisture is your enemy when it comes to keeping greens fresh.
2. Choose The Right Storage Container
Instead of tossing your greens directly into a plastic bag or cramming them into an airtight container, think about airflow. A good container with ventilation holes can help your vegetables stay fresh longer. If you want, you can even store them in a glass jar with a lid, but make sure to leave it slightly open. The goal is to keep the greens in a slightly humid, but breathable environment to prevent them from getting too soggy or drying out.
If you’ve already washed your greens, you can wrap them in a layer of paper towels before storing them in the fridge. Paper towels absorb any remaining moisture, which helps prevent sogginess and extends their shelf life by several days.
3. Store In A Crisp Drawer
The crisp drawer (or vegetable drawer) in your fridge is designed to maintain the optimal humidity for storing fresh produce, so it’s the best place to store your leafy greens. Keep the green leafy vegetables in a container with ventilation holes. This allows air to circulate and helps keep the moisture level balanced, which is crucial for maintaining freshness.
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4. Avoid Storing With Ethylene-Producing Fruits
Certain fruits, like apples, bananas, pears, and avocados, release a gas called ethylene. This gas can cause leafy greens to ripen and spoil faster. To avoid this, store your greens away from these fruits in the fridge. If you want to keep everything organised, try using separate bins or drawers for fruits and vegetables.
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5. Check And Remove Wilted Leaves Regularly
No matter how well you store your greens, some wilting is unavoidable over time. If you notice any leaves beginning to wilt or turn yellow, remove them immediately. These leaves can cause the surrounding greens to spoil more quickly. By regularly checking leafy greens and removing any damaged leaves, you’ll help extend the shelf life of the rest.
Following these simple tips, you can keep your greens fresh for much longer, reducing waste and getting the most out of your healthy purchases.
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Image credit: Freepik
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