Groceries are essential in our lives nowadays. They comprise non-perishable items such as butchers, delis, bakeries, and fresh produce, which our family uses for several days or weeks. We invest our money in groceries because we don't want our family to starve and develop health problems in the long run.
The concept of a self-serving grocery store started in 1916 in Tennessee, USA, and then spread worldwide. People love shopping at grocery stores, which has become a time for family bonding.
The shelf-life of the groceries is limited. Thus, proper handling and storage must make it fresh and safe for consumption.
Here are some of the tips on how to make your groceries last as long as possible:
Tips to Make Groceries Last
Herbs
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Instead of storing herbs in the fridge, store them in sand-filled pots. Grab a flower pot, add herbs, and cover the roots with sand. Remove the pot in a cool, dark area when needed. This tip is from Doorsixteen and DIY and Crafts.
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According to Thekitchn and DIY and Crafts, you can keep your herbs in the fridge if you don't have a pot. However, ensure the pot is covered with plastic wrap and secured with a rubber band. This tip is excellent for chives, cilantro, asparagus, parsley, and basil. Investing in Herb Savor is a must, too. It is an innovation that can help preserve the herbs for three weeks longer. The Herb Savor can be put in the fridge.
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According to Thekitchn, another method is to cut the herbs and put them on an ice cube tray. Next, add some olive oil and freeze the tray. Once frozen, remove the herbs and place them on your food.
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If you have bought oilier herbs such as thyme, it is recommended to tie them together and hang them to get air. These herbs can be hung on the pantry or kitchen wall, and no need to put them in the fridge.
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Store ginger in the freezer, not in any part of the fridge. According to Lowcarbdiets, this tip makes the ginger easy to grate and preserves it longer.
Vegetables
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Tomatoes must be stored in paper bags, not plastic. The ethylene in tomatoes causes them to ripen and spoil faster. Do not store ripe tomatoes in the fridge; instead, store them at room temperature and away from sunlight. Meanwhile, if your tomatoes still need to be ripe, store them with another fruit to help them ripen faster.
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Ensure green leafy vegetables are wrapped in aluminum foil and stored in the fridge's crisper drawer. The foil will keep the vegetable crisp even for up to 4 weeks. Another tip is to add a paper towel to your greens before storing them. The paper towels will absorb the moisture that causes the vegetables to go wrong. Adding a paper towel will make the vegetables last a little longer than the traditional method of storing them.
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Vegetables like carrots, parsnips, rutabagas, and turnips can be stored in a pot filled with sand to keep them fresh for weeks. You don't have to put them in the fridge. Ensure the pot is stored in a cool, dry place away from the sun's rays.
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Onions can be stored in many ways. You can use pantyhose (old or new) and tie a knot between each onion. Next, hang the onions on your kitchen wall or pantry. Another method is to put them in water bottles. Cut the green onions into tiny pieces and put them inside the water bottles.
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If you don't have a fridge, make sure that you don't store potatoes and onions together because the potatoes will spoil faster. Store the onions in a cool and dry place and keep the potatoes away from them. Please put it on a separate shelf.
Fruits
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One way to make berries last longer is to soak them in vinegar before putting them in the fridge. To do this:
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Add vinegar and water to a clean bowl.
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Soak the berries for a few minutes and rinse them with water.
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Store the berries in a clean container and put them in the fridge.
According to Passionforsavings, berries can last up to two weeks using this tip.
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Store the apple with potatoes on a shelf. Apples will keep the potatoes from sprouting and keep them fresh much longer, according to Rubbercowgirl. In addition, check your apples from time to time and make sure that you remove one rotten apple so it won't affect the bunch, according to Thedailymeal.
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Snapguide says banana crowns must be wrapped in plastic to prevent browning. Bananas should also not be stored in the fridge with other fruits and vegetables, as this will produce a large amount of ethylene gas and spoil other fruits faster.
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Ripe bananas can still be helpful, according to Shockingly delicious. Instead of throwing these ripe bananas, turn them into a delicious muffin. To do this, peel, cut, and wrap it in plastic. Store it in the freezer and use it as one of the main ingredients to bake for your muffins or cake.
- When you decide to cut your fruit and reserve some for the next day, you can soak it in lemon and store it in the fridge. Cut the fruits and add ginger ale, orange juice, or lemon-lime in a clean bowl to do this. Soak the fruits for 15 minutes, strain, and let them dry. This tip will prevent the fruits from browning and keep them fresh for a more extended period than the traditional method.
Liquid Groceries
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Honey is one of the groceries that can be stored for extended periods. However, it crystallizes quickly. After refrigerating, place the honey jar in a glass container and add water to the bottom to make it fresh again. Next, put it in the candle warmer to de-crystallize the honey. This tip will warm the honey, enable easy pouring, and make it fresh again.
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Store milk in the middle of the fridge, not in the door, to prevent milk from spoiling. Milk needs a cooler temperature, and the middle of the fridge is the best place for it.
- Add a pinch of salt to prolong the shelf life of a carton of milk and heavy cream. The salt will not affect the milk or cream's taste and will keep them fresh.
Pastries
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Stale bread can still be transformed into an edible pastry a few days after its selling date. Rub it with an ice cube and bake it at 200 degrees for 12 minutes. According to Real Simple, bread with mold should not be eaten anymore but only a few days before expiration. This tip will make the bread tasty, soft, and fresh.
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According to Passionforsavings, a loaf or a pre-sliced sandwich bread must be stored in a container or paper bag to make it fresh. Meanwhile, crustier slices of bread, such as Artisanal bread, should be stored in plastic bags to prevent them from becoming spongy.
- Sugar and flour can be stored in the freezer to keep them fresh for a long time. According to Ehow, this tip can make the flour and sugar last up to six months. Since these products don't freeze, you don't need to thaw them after freezing.
Dairy
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For storing a block of cheese, according to Thedailymeal:
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Make sure you add some butter.
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Put the butter on the cut side of the cheese. This tip will help keep the cheese from drying out.
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Store the cheese in the fridge, and you'll never have a problem cutting it and storing it for a more extended period.
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Another method for storing cheese is to wrap it in wax paper and store it in a plastic bag. According to Thekitchn and DIY and Crafts, keep the cheese in the warmest area of the fridge, like the vegetable bin or the door.
- Contrary to common belief, eggs must be stored on the middle shelf, not in the fridge's door. Make sure to use an egg tray when storing. This tip will make the eggs last up to 4 weeks compared to storing them in the door. Although modern fridges nowadays have egg holders on the door, it is still best to keep the eggs on the middle shelf, according to DIY and Crafts.
Other items
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According to Buzzfeed, if you have leftover guacamole (a mixture of avocado and other ingredients), you can store it in the fridge and consume it the following day. Spray it with olive oil or cooking spray and cover it with plastic.
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According to Buzzfeed, mushrooms must be stored in a paper bag rather than a plastic bag to make them fresh.
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When storing nuts, make sure that you roast them first and then freeze them. To roast the nuts, spread them on the cookie sheet and bake for 15 minutes. Once cooled, put them in the freezer bag and the fridge.
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Raisins can be stored in mason jars with a tight cover. When the raisins are hard, soak them in the jar first in the water and boil them for a few minutes. After that, drain it and keep it in the jar.
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When you open a big can of tomato sauce but only need a spoon, freeze the rest. Dollop the tomato sauce on the wax paper and freezer bag and put it in the freezer. You don't have to thaw it whenever needed; you must peel the wax paper from the freezer bag.
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Raw meat, seafood, and poultry must be stored on the fridge's bottom shelf so the juices don't drip and affect other foods. This tip also prevents contamination of other items.
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According to Alwaysorderdessert, to store asparagus-like flowers cut the stems and place them in a water container. Then, cover the container with plastic, seal it with a rubber band, and put it in the fridge.
Storage tips and other accessories
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According to Money Talk News, you can reduce the clutter in your fridge by removing expired food or products. This tip will enable air circulation and protect the freshness of the products inside. Make sure to clean your fridge at least once a week.
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According to BuzzFeed, you can also invest in Produce bags. These bags will prevent vitamin loss and excess moisture from the fruits inside the fridge, keeping them fresh for longer.
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Invest in ethylene gas absorbers for your fridge. These products can absorb the ethylene gas from fruits and vegetables, making them fresher than traditional methods.
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Use mason jars instead of plastic bags to store other grocery items inside your fridge. Mason jars will keep your product fresh and will not stain it.
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Organize and learn where to store groceries in their proper place. Fruits and vegetables should be stored in the pantry or counter. Green leafy vegetables and herbs must be stored in the fridge, according to Thevspotblog.
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Check the temperature of your fridge before you put groceries on it. Make sure that it is 40 degrees Fahrenheit or below, according to Squawkfox. Always remember not to mix your food items and put them in order.
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When using plastic bags, poke holes to let the air pass on the product.
Conclusion
In sum, making your groceries last longer will help you save time, effort, and money. You won't need to go to the grocery store from time to time whenever you need something for your menu.
Also, storing groceries properly can help you make quick and easy meals for your family. In addition, you'll be prepared in times of emergencies and be able to survive.
Orient yourselves with the tips mentioned above and share them with your friends. You can use this immediately and learn to live with it until the end.
