Eating healthy is a priority for many families, and fresh fruit and veggies are essential to a nutritious diet. However, keeping produce fresh can be tricky, especially in Australia’s varied climate. Proper storage is crucial for maintaining the quality and nutritional value of your fruit and vegetables, as well as for reducing food waste and saving money.
As the weather begins to warm up, it’s important to know how to store your fruits and vegetables to get the most life out of them. Together, let’s explore the best practices to prolong the freshness and crispness of your produce so your family can enjoy the fresh fruit and vegetables longer.
Why Proper Storage Matters
Proper fruit and veggie storage is essential for more than just convenience—it’s a key aspect of maintaining a healthy lifestyle.
According to a report commissioned by the Federal Government, Australia discarded an estimated 7.6 million tonnes of food in 2018-19. Australian households can help reduce food waste with proper meal planning, smart shopping, and better storage practices. By keeping your produce fresh for longer, you’ll not only cut down on waste but also lower your grocery bills, making healthy eating more affordable.
General Tips for Storing Fruits and Vegetables
Temperature Control
Temperature is key to keeping fruits and vegetables fresh. Most produce should be stored in the refrigerator to slow the ripening process and prevent spoilage. However, some items like bananas and tomatoes, are best kept at room temperature to preserve their flavour and texture.
Humidity Management
Humidity is another important factor in storing fresh produce. Leafy greens, for instance, need a moist environment to remain crisp, while onions and garlic do better in a dry setting. Utilising your refrigerator’s crisper drawers can help control humidity levels, your produce stays in the best possible condition.
Separation of Produce
Storing certain fruits and vegetables separately is key to preventing spoilage. Some fruits, like apples, pears, and bananas, release ethylene gas, which can cause nearby vegetables to ripen or spoil faster. By keeping these items apart, you can extend the shelf life of your produce.
Ideal Storage Conditions for Common Produce Items
Apples, pears, oranges, and other citrus fruits should be stored in the fridge. This will help to extend their shelf life and maintain their juicy, crisp texture. Stone fruit, such as peaches, plums, and nectarines, can also be stored in the fridge but should be eaten within a few days of purchase to ensure maximum freshness and flavour.
Grapes: Keep them in the fridge to prevent spoiling and extend their shelf life.
Mangoes: Allow them to ripen at room temperature, then refrigerate to prolong their freshness.
Bananas: Store at room temperature and avoid direct sunlight to prevent premature ripening. If needed, once your bananas are ripe you can put them in the fridge to slow the ripening. The skin may turn brown, but the fruit inside will remain perfectly good to eat.
Leafy greens (lettuce, spinach, kale): Store in the fridge in an airtight container or bag to maintain their crispness.
Melons (watermelon, rockmelon): Keep them at room temperature until they ripen, then can be refrigerated to extend shelf life. If cut, always refrigerate to prolong their freshness.
Root vegetables (potatoes, onions): Store in a cool, dark place such as a pantry or cellar to prevent sprouting. Carrots are best stored in the fridge crisper.
Eco-Friendly Fruit and Veggie Storage Solutions
Reusable Produce Bags
Using reusable bags is one of the best ways to store fresh produce while reducing plastic waste. These breathable bags help maintain the right moisture levels and are perfect for storing items like root vegetables. These reusable mesh bags allow air to circulate, which can help prevent premature spoilage.
Glass Containers and Jars
Storing fruits and vegetables in glass containers and jars can help keep them fresh and organised. These airtight containers are ideal for storing prepped vegetables or leftovers, and they’re a more sustainable option compared to plastic.
Using and Preserving Leftover Produce
Preparing for the new season is a great time to use any remaining last season’s produce or preserve it for later use. Here are a few ideas!
You can use leftover carrots and squash to make a hearty soup or turn apples and pears into a delicious fruit crumble. These dishes not only help reduce waste but also allow you to enjoy the flavours of seasonal produce.
- Freezing: Several seasonal fruits and veggies can be frozen for long-term storage. Blanch vegetables like carrots or squash before freezing to preserve their colour and texture. Fruits like pears and apples can be sliced, treated with lemon juice to prevent browning, and then frozen.
- Canning: If you’re inclined to preserve produce, canning is an excellent option! Vegetables like beets and tomatoes can be canned and stored for months. Ensure you follow safe canning practices to avoid spoilage.
- Pickling: Pickling is another method for prolonging the life of seasonal produce. Vegetables like beets, carrots, radishes, and fruit like mango can be pickled and stored in jars, adding a tangy flavour to meals and reducing waste.
Special Considerations
Seasonal Produce
Australia’s diverse climate means that different fruits and vegetables are in season at other times of the year. Storing produce according to the season can help you make the most of what’s available and reduce waste.
Hot and Humid Climates
In hotter and more humid regions of Australia, it’s important to store produce in a cool, dry environment. Investing in good storage containers and using your refrigerator effectively can help keep your fruits and vegetables fresh, even in challenging climates.
Reducing Waste Through Smart Shopping
Proper storage begins with smart shopping. By planning your meals and only buying what you need, you can reduce the amount of produce that goes to waste. Consider purchasing seasonal and locally grown fruits and vegetables, which offer guaranteed freshness. You can also consider shopping online for fruit and veg!
Proper storage of fruits and vegetables is essential for Australian families who want to eat healthy and aid in reducing food waste. By following the tips outlined in this guide, you can keep your produce fresh longer, save money, and enjoy the full nutritional benefits of your food.
Our commitment to providing fresh, locally sourced produce is rooted in the values of our family farm, where we believe in hard work, integrity, and the simple joy of delivering wholesome food to your doorstep. By applying these storage techniques, you’ll not only improve the quality of your meals but also contribute to a more sustainable future for our community.
