Green vegetables are an essential source of nutrition on the dining table, but improper storage of leafy vegetables can lead to rapid loss of nutrients and quick spoilage. To extend the shelf life of leafy vegetables, instead of just throwing them all in the fridge, you can follow the “4 steps” before refrigerating to prolong the freshness of the vegetables.
The Agriculture and Food Agency posted on the “FarmYA – Agriculture and Food Agency” Facebook fan page, sharing the 4 important steps for preserving leafy vegetables. By mastering the correct techniques for vegetable storage, it can help housewives effectively maintain the freshness and nutritional value of vegetables, saving a lot of money on groceries.
Step 1. Select and Arrange Vegetables:
Firstly, when you bring leafy vegetables home, you should pick and sort the leaves, removing yellow or rotten leaves. If you are not going to cook them immediately, avoid washing them with water.
Step 2. Keep Them Dry:
Next, use kitchen paper towels to wrap the leafy vegetables to absorb excess moisture, keep them dry, and prevent frostbite. For cut vegetables like cabbage and Chinese cabbage, you can also cover the cut edges with kitchen paper towels.
Step 3. Ensure Good Ventilation:
After wrapping the leafy vegetables, place them inside a plastic bag with the root facing inwards, tie the bag with a small gap to allow ventilation and prevent moisture loss.
Step 4. Refrigerate Promptly:
Finally, refrigerate the vegetables. If there is enough space in the fridge, you can store the vegetables upright or diagonally to reduce the risk of bruising or being trapped.
The recommended refrigeration temperature for vegetables and fruits is between 5-7℃. As for root vegetables such as radishes, onions, yams, pumpkins, and sweet potatoes, the ideal storage temperature is around 15℃. Placing them directly in the fridge will lead to quick softening and spoilage. Therefore, root vegetables just need to be wrapped in kitchen paper towels or plastic bags and stored in a “ventilated, cool, dry” room temperature environment.
If you choose to refrigerate root vegetables in the fridge, remember not to wash them. Simply wrap them in clean paper and place them in a bag before refrigerating. When preparing to cook, wash the vegetables clean.