Tuesday Ten: How to Make Your Groceries Last Longer
I go to the grocery store and my local farmers market about once every week or so. I stock up on lots of fresh produce and such, but always find myself tossing out half of what I bought because I simply don’t use it in time. It feels wasteful and it’s just plain frustrating. After having to throw out a basket of raspberries after only two (two!!) days, I decided to take matters into my own hands and find out if there are any ways to make groceries last longer… Here’s what I learned:
1. Chop up your chives and keep them in an old water bottle for extended freshness.
2. Rinse your berries in vinegar (both white and apple cider will work).
3. One rotten apple can spoil an entire batch of fruit, so the second you see something looking a little old be sure to toss it.
4. Add a dab of butter to the cut side of cheese to prevent it from drying out. Also, be sure to wrap it in wax paper (not plastic) and then place it into a reusable baggie and store it in the warmest area of your fridge (i.e., not your chiller drawer).
5. Store asparagus like fresh cut flowers.
6. Wrap the top of bananas with plastic wrap and they should keep 3 to 5 days longer.
7. Wrap greens such as broccoli, lettuce, and celery in foil before popping them into your refrigerator.
8. Tomatoes do not belong in your fridge—rather they should be stored outside of it at room temperature.
9. Leftover guacamole tends to oxidize and turn brown quickly. To prevent this, put plastic wrap over the top but make sure the plastic wrap is touching the entire exposed surface of the dip.
10. Mushrooms should never be stored in plastic. Instead, place them into a brown paper bag or a cardboard box.
Do you have any tricks for making your groceries last longer? Share in the comments below!
XO Lauren
Photos: Alex Gariano for LaurenConrad.com
Photo: Buzzfeed
42 comments
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AWESOME POST!! You guys should do more of these. :)
I'm definitely going to try these tips. I keep my apples separate from other fruit. It doesn't play well with others. Also, if your bananas aren't quiet ripe, but you're craving one, put an apple and banana in a paper bag together. Your banana will be ripe in a few hours.
-Kelby
http://peachypains.com -
"the second you see something looking a little old be sure to toss it" really you guys? yeah let's throw everything that is a little old into a landfill. wasteful. -
Also, you should ALWAYS put the avocado's seed inside your guacamole, to prevent it from oxidizing. :) -
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the asparagus tip can also be used for herbs (cilantro, parsley, etc). Place them in a couple of inches of water (in a glass) and store on a shelf in the fridge. -
This was so helpful! I actually never heard any of these tips before so I am going to definitely put them to use since I hate when anything goes bad. I hate throwing out any kind of food just knowing that a person out there might be dying from starvation. Don't take anything for granted.
http://www.beautytosparkle.blogspot.com/ -
Thank you! I learned a thing or two! You can also leave the avocado pit in the guacamole...
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These are all fantastic ideas :) Considering the raising food costs, it's important to make it last as long as possible
xo -
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I like to put all my fruits and veggies in a ziplock bag and then store them in the fridge. They last twice as long, especially apples. Otherwise, I like to chop them up and freeze them if I know I won't be able to eat them all that week. XO!
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I love these tips! I've actually never heard about storing asparagus upright- I'm definitely going to try that.
And I always wrap the top of my bananas. It helps so much!
buildyourbliss.wordpress.com -
Hey Lauren,
Great tips! Just wondering if you could clarify, should the chives in the water bottle and the asparagus in a jar be kept in the refrigerator?
Thanks,
M -
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This is fantastic! I have the same problem with veggies nad fruits going bad. This list will greatly help. -
My mom used to store chopped onion (all types) in old glass jars, like jam or marmalade ones, in the freezer, so it lasts like forever ;) and when she needs it it is just as simple as take a little pinch and put it directly to the pan! -
Your photos are always so nice! Do you have a staff photog that takes them? Simple and clean--love them! -
Interesting. These are great tips and will absolutely have to try them. Does rinsing the berries in vinegar change the taste at all? -
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These are great tips Lauren, thanks! Not even my mom knew those :) I'll make sure to try them.
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