Member Comments for the Article:

How to Keep Fruits and Veggies Fresh

Proper Storage Prevents Spoilage, Saving You Hundreds

96 Comments

NACHTJ

4/16/2010 3:39:12 PM

If you follow these tips you will eliminate the need to spend money on 'Green bags'. The bags do not really work miracles, in fact their impact is very very very small. What people normally attribute to their working is the fact that it is forcing them to keep fruits and veggies separate, instead of throwing them all in together as they may have done before. If you follow these guidelines you will have just as good results for free! Here is an interesting discussion on the topic...
http://chowhound.chow.com/to
pics/438971

TOUDLES

3/3/2010 12:03:07 PM

Some great tips, both in the article and the comments. Thanks.

I took a tip from my parents, and grandparent. I buy large bags of onions and potatoes and hang the (mesh not plastic) bags on nails in a cool spot in my basement, I just bring up to the counter what I plan to use in the next few days.

I am also a fan of green bags, if you've had problems with them make sure that what you put in them is dry.

SPARKLINGJENN

2/28/2010 2:39:48 PM

Tupperware's line called FridgeSmart is wonderful for keeping fruits/veggies. It has adjustable vents and a chart on the side that tells you which vent setting is best for what you're putting in it. I've replaced my crisper drawers with these and they are saving me a ton of money.

1SOPRANOMOM1

2/26/2010 9:47:02 AM

In addition to these excellent guidelines, one more way you can keep from tossing food is to have a worm bin in your kitchen. It's amazing how quickly they can process food scraps into sweet-smelling soil. Grow the next batch of food in that, and you'll truly not have wasted a scrap.

JOSIE1941

2/26/2010 8:24:35 AM

I bought "Debbie Meyer Green Bags" as seen advertised on television and they really work. We buy our fruits and veggies in quanities. I bring them home and place them in the green bags. All my fruits and veggies last two weeks or longer in those bags.

KELLYFIDDES

2/20/2010 10:55:17 AM

I finally found a way to keep lettuce fresh for longer!!! I read it in a magazine & have been doing this for over a year now & IT WORKS!!!! I clean the lettuce when I get home & I separate the leaves onto clean cotton dish towels to dry them somewhat - then I put them in a container, layered - with paper towels in between each layer. It works - the lettuce lasts much longer!!! I also found the new Rubbermaid Produce containers to be really helpful with most other produce items!

LINNEAFLOWER

1/27/2010 2:54:46 PM

This is a very useful article...I am always throwing out lettuce that gets wilted or brown too quickly! I am now trying to buy just what I need on hand - instead of stocking up the produce drawer with veggies. I would rather go to the store several times a week than throw food away! This article metions leaving cucumbers on the counter..really? I don't think i would do that...cucumbers need to be cool and crisp - at least that's how I like them! :)

LETELE

11/3/2009 10:28:12 AM

The easiest way to figure out how to store fruits and vegetables is to look at how they kept are at the store. Stores have a vested interest in keeping their fruits and vegetables looking good - no one will buy them if they're mushy or browning. If it was cold when you bought it, put it in the fridge. This tip was given to me by my horticulture professor at UF and I have followed it ever since - takes all the guesswork out of storing fruit & veg!

DENISEFUENTES

10/27/2009 7:36:55 AM

Nice to have a handy at a glance chart.

QLORALOO

9/28/2009 11:44:49 AM

This article was just what I was looking for. Thanks so much.

DAMETEMPLAR

8/29/2009 4:30:45 AM

Does anyone know how to prevent fruit flies from gathering when fresh fruit is left out on the counter? I find bananas and grapes particularly difficult.

MCREWE

8/26/2009 2:08:13 PM

Thanks for this. I will post it on my fridge tonight.