One of my least favorite jobs is putting produce up after returning from the grocery store. I'm embarrassed to say that most of the time, I take it out of the plastic grocery store bags and just shove it in the produce drawer of the refrigerator until I have time to wash it.
I recently saw a feature on AOL by Australian chef Curtis Stone about how to store produce to keep it fresh longer. In the video, Curtis had a stack of air-tight plastic containers and showed how to package fruits and vegetables to not only keep them fresh, but to keep your refrigerator organized and neat, too.
If you would like to see the video, click here.
When I was at the grocery store yesterday, I remembered Curtis and his storage suggestions and bought several plastic containers so I, too, could have fresher produce and a pretty refrigerator.
When I got home, I couldn't wait to get my produce ready for my little storage containers, and was so proud of myself for taking the time to do it right (it doesn't take much to make me happy). I washed the containers and dried them thoroughly, then washed and dried the produce. Doesn't it look pretty!
I wish I had thought to take a "before" picture of my produce drawer --then, you would really appreciate the "after."
Containers like these would also be perfect for storing grapes and healthy snack foods that you would be more likely to eat if they were in a container, rather than stuffed in a refrigerator drawer. I'm going to use mine for sliced onions, tomatoes, and pickles left over from sandwiches or hamburgers, instead of wrapping them in unsightly foil or plastic wrap that comes undone. Their uses are limited only by your imagination, and with the holidays coming up, I've already thought of several ways I can use mine!
7 comments:
Great idea! I'm embarassed to say HOW much produce goes bad at my house because I forget it's in there. The containers are a perfect solution. If you see it you'll use it. Thanks for the tip!
What a meaningful project---getting your stores stored properly, looking out for the needs of your family, and creating ART besides. See, THAT's the kind of caretaking I aspire to and love to look at. Just opening the door on the see-through packages and boxes and jars is a lift, and I find myself looking in from time to time, when I don't need anything.
It's a bit akin, I think, to the time the whole family from down the road came to stay with us for a week during an ice storm. We had electricity, they didn't. We had no running water, and they did. So we shared whatever we had. But the silly thing which got me through the chaos of five-extra and all the attendant trying to keep above the mess was just going to my drawer of freshly-washed, neatly-folded dish towels and looking in at that order, that usefulness at my fingertips when all pots were in the sink, all counterspace covered.
I LOVE organization!!
says rachel, of the drawerful of expired cheeses, and another with four shriveled apples, a big bag of plums, half a baggied onion, some carrots, some celery, yellowing limes, and a little hand of ginger which crawled into the bottom to die.
that IS some good inspiration! I like this idea!!! Thanks for sharing.
Suzanne
You really did a great job. I too am the worlds worst with my produce. Hope this inspires me to clean my act and refrig up
Thanks
Maggie
Wonderful idea!! A man working in the produce department of my store was talking to me about lettuce. He explained that it starts to deteriorate as soon as it hits the air. So...that is why veggies should be in air tight containers.
I love the pretty way your bins are organized. I will have to try this idea! Thank you so much!
xoxo
Jane
I don't need a before picture as I just stuffed todays new lot of fresh produce in our drawers!
This is a wonderful idea. I agree too much goes to waste other wise. One son always complained the fruit would pick up other ordors also. It is nice to see the garlic in it's own container.:-)
I know exactly what your produce drawer looked like...I can just look at my own!
I loved Rachel's comment about creating art! It's true, isn't it? It is so very pretty to look at, all neatly stacked and separated...and it inspires. We all should do the same thing!
I'm not saying I AM, you understand, but it gives me something to aspire to!
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