Whether you’re rich or an average-earner, throwing food has never been right. While you really have no choice but to ditch expired groceries, there are steps you can take to avoid this from happening:
Cheese
If you buy cheese, the best way to prolong its life is to remove it from its plastic packaging before you store it. Registered dietitian Megan Wong advised using a specialty cheese paper for best results.
If specialty cheese paper is not available in your local market or grocery, use a cling wrap to tightly pack the block. Then, put it in a resealable bag and store it in the fridge.
Bread
While most grocery items are meant to be stored in the fridge to prolong its shelf life, bread shouldn’t be refrigerated. If you are guilty of this habit, you are actually making this carb go stale quicker than it should.
Your safest bet is to put it on the counter. If you feel you can’t finish the whole loaf before it becomes stale, you can store it in the freezer.
Butter
Have you ever wondered why your butter tastes different after it sat so long in the fridge? That’s because it has absorbed the scent of strong-smelling foods.
If you’re buying butter for emergency purposes and won’t likely consume it in the next few days, store it in the freezer instead of the fridge to avoid absorbing other aromas.
Fruits
While putting your fresh fruits together in the basket will result in an aesthetically pleasing kitchen piece, it can over-ripen some of the fruits. This is because some of them produce ethylene gas, which speeds up the maturing process.
Specifically, you may want to separate pears, tomatoes, apples, and bananas from each other as much as possible.
Vegetables
Most moms would know that vegetables, especially green ones, tend to wilt faster if they are stored in the plastic bags they came in. Upon reaching home, wash your fresh produce and dry them first before wrapping them in paper towels and storing them in the crisper drawer.
Also, never keep potatoes and onions together as this can prompt the starchy veggie to sprout fast. Plus, onions must not be placed in the refrigerator or else they will taste different and will soften.
Brown Sugar
Just like cheese, you shouldn’t store brown sugar in its original packaging. Instead, transfer it to an airtight container to refrain from hardening. Moreover, you can add a slice of apple or bread to avoid clumps.