Challenge Tips

Organize Your Produce for Longevity

It’s a story most of us know too well: We buy produce with the best intentions, only to see it wilt, spoil, and go to waste a few days later.

Many fruits and vegetables have specific storage needs that, when met, can significantly extend their shelf life. A common mistake is putting everything in the fridge, but refrigeration isn’t a one-size-fits-all solution. Knowing where each item belongs — whether in the fridge, on the counter, or in a cool, dark pantry — can help you increase its longevity.

Your Action for Tonight

Consider the correct way to store your fruits and vegetables in order to maximize freshness. Here are some general guidelines for storing common produce from the American Heart Association:

• Apples: Apples last up to a week on your counter or in the refrigerator. Store them away from other produce because they produce ethylene gas, which speeds up the ripening process.
• Bananas: Bananas ripen best on the counter, not in the refrigerator.
• Broccoli and cauliflower: Store these ethylene-sensitive vegetables separately from other produce in a sealed container or refrigerator drawer.
• Celery: Preserve your celery longer by removing it from its plastic bag and wrapping it in aluminum foil before placing it in the fridge.
• Citrus fruits: Your oranges, lemons, and limes last about a week on your counter. They stay fresh longer in a refrigerator crisper drawer.
• Leafy green vegetables: Store your greens loosely in the refrigerator to maximize freshness.
• Onions and garlic: Your aromatic bulbs belong in a cool, dark pantry or cupboard, separated from other pantry-dwelling vegetables.
• Root vegetables: While carrots, beets, and radishes thrive in the refrigerator, potatoes and squash belong in a dark pantry or cellar.

Bonus Action: Did you buy or grow too much produce to eat at home? Share it with neighbors or coworkers to ensure it doesn’t go to waste.

Day 4 sneak peek: Rotate food in your fridge and pantry to prevent accidental waste.