Fruits and vegetables are part of a healthy diet, some people like them raw, some steamed, some mixed with protein. Latinos often get creative with their recipes, trying to add fruits and vegetables from their native countries like yucca, plantains, avocados, hot peppers, and even fresh herbs. But, how do we make them last?
The sweeter the fruit or vegetable, the sooner you have to eat it. If you’re used to going grocery shopping over the weekend, plan ahead. Think about what you want to eat that week and buy in small quantities so you don’t let anything go to waste. If you buy strawberries because you want to have a strawberry smoothie, remember that strawberries are sweet and will only last 3 to 5 days before they start getting mushy and moldy.
Many people love guacamole and avocados, but if you live in a city where it’s cold, more than likely these avocados traveled far to get to your grocery store. The cold weather can make them turn black and the shipping will definitely have an effect on price when it’s out of season.
Popular Fruits and Veggies and Their Lifespan
- Bananas- 2 to 5 days
- Mushrooms: 2-5 days
- Strawberries: 3 to 5 days
- Carrots: 14-21 days
- Avocado 3- 4 days
- Apples: 10- 12 days
Many of us think that if we put veggies and fruits in the fridge, this increases their lifespan, but that’s not necessarily true. One of the biggest mistakes people make is keeping tomatoes in the fridge. Tomatoes have lots of water, so putting them in the fridge makes them lose their juicy flavor. Instead keep them in a bowl lined with a paper towel, at room temperature and away from the sun.
Keep in mind the amount of moisture that is in your fridge and in your house. Many of us go to the grocery store and we use the thin green bags in the produce section. If you decide to keep your vegetables in these bags, make sure to poke some holes in them because if there’s too much moisture, that will cause the vegetable to rot faster in the fridge.
Eating fruits and vegetables is a great way to keep healthy. Plan ahead before taking a trip to the grocery store. Your grocery bill can add up when you go shopping for vegetables and fruits, especially if you buy organic, so make sure you take advantage of everything in your fridge before it goes bad.
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