Does the banana belong in the refrigerator or not? A discussion is often held without a clear answer. How to properly store the popular fruits and vegetables?
The fact that apples and pears should be stored in a cool and dark place is known to many. If there is not enough space in the refrigerator, it is also possible to store them in the basement. The necessary humidity is maintained in a foil bag, and drying out is prevented. In addition, pears and apples should be stored separately from other fruits and vegetables, as they emit the gas ethylene. Ethylene makes fruits and vegetables ripen faster.
The ripening of the pear is stopped in the refrigerator. In addition, the pear takes on foreign odors – so it is best to store it away from extreme odors.
The optimal storage conditions for tomatoes are a bit more complicated. Between 12°C to 16°C, they remain aromatic. Below these temperatures, mold growth is encouraged, and the flavor is lost. Above 16°C, tomatoes rot more quickly. Thus, tomatoes should ideally be stored in a shaded, dark area, out of the refrigerator, and separately because of ethylene formation.
The storage period of lettuce depends on the variety. As a rule, the vegetables should be consumed after a few days. Wrapped in a damp cloth, lettuce stays fresh longer, and drying out is prevented. Since lettuce is considered particularly sensitive to ethylene, it is best stored individually.
To delay the sprouting of the potatoes, a dark and cool place is suitable. This place should not be too cold (below four °C). Otherwise, the starch is converted into sugar, and a sweetish taste develops. Above eight °C, the tuber sprouts. If the potatoes have already sprouted, there is no need to throw them away. The nodes must be removed and the green parts cut out before eating.
A bunch of carrots or radishes is often sold “with greens.” However, this removes valuable ingredients and liquid from the vegetable. The bunch of carrots will keep in the refrigerator for about a week. Loose carrots can be stored for up to one month. If the loose carrots were purchased in plastic packaging, remove them. Liquid collects in the plastic tray, which promotes mold growth.
The bananas ripen due to sun rays. Therefore, storing the ripe bananas on the dark shelf and the unripe bananas in the fruit bowl is recommended. In the refrigerator, the aroma is lost, and the peel turns brown. Thus, cool storage places should be avoided. Bananas prefer it warm and should be stored at 16°C.
Hopefully, fewer spoiled fruits and vegetables will end up in the garbage can with these simple tips for proper storage. In addition, the various products’ optimal flavor and proper ripeness can be achieved. Thus, it tastes even better!
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