Fresh, crunchy lettuce is always the best – who wants it soggy and limp? If you’ve ever found yourself throwing away wilting, browning lettuce, you’re not alone.
Fortunately, waste management firm Wheeldon Brothers has a simple trick to keep your lettuce fresh and green for longer. They said: “Wrapping freshly bought lettuce in tin foil before placing it in the fridge can extend its shelf life significantly-up to 30 days.
“This clever trick helps to regulate moisture and airflow, preventing those pesky brown spots that often plague salad greens.” You likely already have tin foil in your kitchen, available for £1.40 for 10 metres from Tesco or Asda, or various thickness foil from Amazon.
Proper storage can also boost the lifespan of other vegetables, reports the Liverpool Echo. The experts added: “For instance, spring onions and asparagus thrive when stored in a glass with a little water and loosely covered with a plastic bag, lasting up to two weeks.”
They also advised against storing cucumbers in the fridge, contrary to common advice. Instead, they said: “Instead, store them in a plastic bag with holes for ventilation, and place them in a cool spot in your kitchen to maintain their crispness.”
Tomatoes and potatoes also do better outside the fridge. The experts said: “Keeping them at room temperature helps preserve their flavour and texture.”
For herbs, a nifty tip is to dampen a paper towel, wrap your herbs in it, and then pop them in a zip-lock bag in the fridge. They added: “This keeps them fresh and vibrant.”
Finally, bananas should be kept away from other fruits, and wrapping their stems in cling film can extend their freshness. The experts advised: “Be mindful of storing pears, apples, and kiwis together, as they release ethylene gas, which can speed up ripening.”