In almost every household, a certain amount of food wastage is inevitable, often resulting from the spoilage of fresh produce. Understanding the factors that contribute to the deterioration of fruits and vegetables is crucial in curbing unnecessary waste. This blog post explores effective ways to increase the lifespan of your organic fruits and vegetables after harvesting.
Why Do Fruits and Vegetables Spoil?
The natural gas, ethylene, released by certain fruits and vegetables accelerates the ripening process. While beneficial in moderation, excess ethylene can lead to premature rotting. Temperature, cleaning methods, and storage locations also play pivotal roles in preserving your produce.
Storage Charts
To aid in proper storage, we have developed convenient charts to guide you on how and where to store your fresh organic produce. These charts consider ethylene-emitting fruits and the sensitivity of delicate leafy greens to ethylene gas.
Additional Tips:
- Ripening Avocados: Accelerate the ripening of organic avocados by placing them in a brown paper bag alongside a ripe banana. The ethylene gas emitted by the banana expedites the process.
- Ethylene Caution: Keep fruits emitting high amounts of ethylene (e.g., apples, avocados, stone fruits, pears, bananas, and tomatoes) away from other produce, especially delicate leafy greens.
- Onions and Potatoes: Store onions separately due to their strong fragrance, which can affect nearby produce. Keep them particularly far from potatoes, as onions can hasten sprouting.
- Refrigeration: Slice or cut produce should always be refrigerated in an airtight container. While most last around 5 days, certain fruits (e.g., apples, pears, bananas, and avocados) should be cut just before consumption to prevent browning.
- Washing Guidelines: a. General Washing: Wash all fruits and vegetables, even those with peels, to remove bacteria causing foodborne illnesses. A quick wash under cold running water is sufficient for most produce. b. Leafy Greens: Separate greens, soak them in cold water for approximately 5 minutes and use a salad spinner for effective drying. c. Timing Matters: Ideally, wash produce right before use to avoid storing them while wet, as dampness can accelerate spoilage.
Summary
By adopting these tips on proper storage and washing, you can significantly extend the life of your organic produce, minimizing waste and ensuring a fresh and healthy supply for your household.