The new year is here, and with it comes the opportunity to embrace healthier habits and smarter choices. If your New Year’s resolution is to eat more fresh fruits and vegetables or reduce food waste, knowing how to store your produce properly is essential. Fresh produce can spoil quickly without the right care, but with a few simple tips, you can keep it fresh, flavourful, and ready to use for longer. Let’s dive into some best practices for storing your fruits and veggies so you can make the most of your grocery haul and stick to your resolutions.

Store Fruits and Vegetables Separately

Many fruits, like apples and bananas, release ethylene gas, which can cause nearby vegetables to ripen and spoil faster. To avoid this, store fruits and vegetables in separate areas of your kitchen or refrigerator. Use designated crisper drawers for better air circulation and to maintain optimal humidity levels for each type of produce.

Know What to Refrigerate and What to Leave Out

Not all produce belongs in the fridge. Here’s a quick guide:

Refrigerate:

• Leafy greens (spinach, lettuce, kale)
• Broccoli and cauliflower
• Carrots and celery
• Berries and grapes

Room Temperature:

• Tomatoes (refrigeration can alter their texture and flavour)
• Onions and garlic (keep them in a cool, dry place)
• Potatoes and sweet potatoes (avoid refrigeration to prevent them from becoming gritty)
• Bananas (until they’re ripe, then refrigerate to slow further ripening)

Wash When Ready to Use

It might seem convenient to wash all your produce as soon as you get home, but excess moisture can lead to faster spoilage. Instead, wait to wash fruits and vegetables until you’re ready to use them. If you prefer to prep ahead, ensure that you dry everything thoroughly before storage.

Use Proper Storage Containers

Invest in breathable storage containers or reusable produce bags. These help regulate moisture levels and keep produce fresher longer. For example:

Leafy Greens: Wrap them in a paper towel and place them in a perforated bag or container to absorb excess moisture.

Berries: Store in a container lined with paper towels and keep the lid slightly ajar to prevent condensation.

Herbs: Stand them upright in a glass of water, like a bouquet, and cover loosely with a plastic bag before refrigerating.

Freeze What You Can’t Use

Freezing is an excellent way to preserve produce that you won’t use before it spoils. Chop fruits and vegetables into usable portions, blanch if necessary (for veggies like broccoli or green beans), and store in airtight containers or freezer bags. Frozen produce works well in smoothies, soups, and stir-fries, ensuring nothing goes to waste.

Monitor and Rotate

Keep an eye on your produce and use the “first in, first out” rule. Place older items in front so you remember to use them before they spoil. Regularly check your fridge and pantry for anything that might need immediate attention.

Stick to Your Resolutions

By learning how to store fresh produce properly, you’re not only reducing food waste but also making it easier to stick to your New Year’s resolution of eating healthier. Fresh fruits and vegetables are essential to a balanced diet, and keeping them fresh means you’ll always have the ingredients you need to create nourishing meals and snacks.

Start the year with these simple changes, and watch how they transform your kitchen—and your commitment to your goals. Let 2025 be the year you maximize your groceries, minimize waste, and enjoy the full flavour and benefits of fresh produce!