Fresh Vegetable Recipes

How do you make fresh vegetables and fruit last (not spoil) all week?

It seems like my veggies in the fridge start getting old 3-4 days later. Any tips on making them last longer? Also, is it better to cut them up ahead of time and store in a ziploc, or leave whole until ready to use?

Public Comments

1. I hate to sound like an advertisement, but my mom bought me some of those "Green Bags" for Christmas last year. I was skeptical, but they actually really worked unlike most infomercial products. They're widely available now.
2. Leave them whole, put them in an air tight bag - I use sandwich bags and tie them, then pop them in the fridge. Usually get a good 5-6 days out if them. You can also freeze them if you want
3. Leave them whole. Do not store them in plastic. Tender veggies (lettuce, spinach) can be washed, dried and wrapped in paper towels. Keep onions and bananas away from your produce.
4. use green bags or rub lemon juice on them
5. DEFINITELY do not cut them ahead of time! the edges will dry out, Ziploc or not! I love to cook with fresh ingredients, and I've found the best way is to keep them in a Ziploc bag (just don't cut them!) until you're ready to use them. Try to get as much air out of the bag as you can. My roommates laugh, but I sometimes suck the air out with my mouth as I'm zipping it closed. Of course, if you have one of those vacuum sealer things you wouldn't have to do that. Peppers, fresh green beans, tomatoes, even strawberries will stay good for at least a week!