Hacks for Buying Long-Lasting Produce
To fight food waste and high prices, shoppers are sharing tips on buying produce with a longer shelf life. Top recommendations include staples like cabbage, carrots, onions, potatoes, apples, and oranges, which can be purchased less frequently.
Proper storage is key to extending the life of your produce. For carrots, trimming the greens and storing them in a sealed container with a bit of water in the fridge can make them last up to three months. Cabbage also benefits from cold, moist conditions and can last for up to two months in a refrigerator's crisper drawer. Onions and potatoes, while kitchen staples, require different storage methods and should not be stored together. Onions need a cool, dark, and dry place with good air circulation, and can last for six to eight weeks. Potatoes, on the other hand, should be kept in a cool, dark, and well-ventilated area, but recent guidance suggests refrigeration can make them last up to three weeks longer. Apples are best kept cold to slow down their ripening process. Storing them in a refrigerator can keep them fresh for up to 40 days, a significant increase from the 17 days they might last at room temperature. It's also recommended to store apples away from other fruits, as they release ethylene gas which can cause other produce to spoil faster. For Fremont residents looking for the freshest produce, several year-round farmers markets offer a direct connection to local farmers. The Kaiser Fremont Farmers Market operates on Thursdays, the Niles Freemont Farmers Market is open on Saturdays, and the Irvington Farmers' Market takes place on Sundays. Shopping seasonally in the Bay Area can also naturally lead to longer-lasting produce. Spring brings an abundance of fresh options like asparagus, strawberries, artichokes, and various peas. Knowing what's in season can help in meal planning and reduce the time produce spends in transit and on store shelves.
