Storing food the right way can make a big difference in how long it stays fresh. Many foods spoil sooner than they should because they’re kept in the wrong place or stored in containers that don’t protect them properly. A few simple changes can help reduce food waste, save money, and keep your groceries tasting their best.
Here are some of the most common foods people store incorrectly and the best ways to keep them fresh longer.
Apples
Apples stay crisp much longer in the refrigerator than they do on the kitchen counter. Store them in the crisper drawer or inside a breathable produce bag to help reduce moisture loss.
It’s also a good idea to keep apples away from other fruits since they release ethylene gas, which can cause nearby produce to ripen and spoil more quickly.
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Bread
Bread stays freshest at room temperature in a bread box, paper bag, or cloth bag that allows some airflow. Storing it in the refrigerator actually speeds up the staling process.
If you won’t finish a loaf within a few days, freeze it instead. Frozen bread keeps its texture and flavor much better than refrigerated bread.
Unripe Tomatoes
Tomatoes develop their best flavor while ripening at room temperature. Refrigerating them too soon can leave them with a mealy texture and dull flavor.
Place them in a single layer away from direct sunlight, and store them stem-side down or stem-side up to help reduce bruising until they’re fully ripe.
Potatoes
Potatoes last longest in a cool, dark, dry place with good air circulation, such as a pantry or cellar. A basket, paper bag, or open container works well.
Avoid storing potatoes in the refrigerator. Cold temperatures convert their starches into sugars, which can change both their flavor and texture. It’s also best to keep them away from onions, since both release gases that can shorten each other’s shelf life.
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Onions
Whole onions should be stored in a cool, dry location with plenty of airflow. Mesh bags or wire baskets are good options because they allow moisture to escape.
Keep onions away from potatoes, as storing them together can cause both to spoil more quickly.
Garlic
Garlic keeps best at room temperature in a dry, dark place with good ventilation. An open basket or mesh bag allows air to circulate around the bulbs.
Refrigeration can introduce excess moisture, increasing the chances of sprouting or mold.
Bananas
Bananas ripen best on the counter at room temperature. Once they’ve reached the ripeness you like, you can move them to the refrigerator to slow the process.
The peel will likely turn brown or black, but the fruit inside usually stays fresh for several more days.
Related: 14 Surprising Uses for Banana Peels
Nuts
Because nuts contain natural oils, they can become rancid if stored too long at room temperature. Keeping them in an airtight container in the refrigerator or freezer helps preserve their flavor.
Cold storage also extends their shelf life by slowing the oxidation of those oils.
Coffee
According to Allrecipes, coffee stays freshest in an opaque, airtight container. If the original bag has a resealable airtight closure, you can continue using it after pressing out as much air as possible.
Store coffee in a cool, dry cabinet away from heat, sunlight, and moisture rather than in the refrigerator or freezer.
Avocados
Leave avocados on the counter until they ripen. A gentle squeeze should give slightly without feeling mushy.
Once ripe, move them to the refrigerator to slow further ripening. Healthline also notes that avocados ripen faster when stored with ethylene-producing fruits like bananas.
Cheese
Cheese stays freshest when wrapped properly and stored in an airtight container. While cheese naturally releases some gas, sealing it helps protect other foods in the refrigerator from absorbing odors.
Proper storage also helps keep cheese from drying out too quickly.
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Herbs
Fresh herbs last much longer when treated like cut flowers. Trim the stems, place them in a glass with a little water, and refrigerate them with a loose plastic bag over the top.
Another option is wrapping the herbs in a slightly damp paper towel before placing them inside a sealed storage bag.
Carrots
Carrots stay crisp longer when stored in the refrigerator inside a container with water. Change the water every few days to keep it fresh.
If the carrots still have their leafy tops attached, remove them first since they pull moisture from the roots and can cause the carrots to dry out more quickly.
Eggs
Keep eggs in their original carton and place them on one of the refrigerator’s interior shelves instead of the door.
The carton helps protect the eggs from absorbing odors and shields them from temperature changes that happen every time the refrigerator door is opened.
Berries
Fresh berries spoil quickly if they’re stored while damp. Blueberries, blackberries, and similar berries can be rinsed in a diluted vinegar solution before drying thoroughly and storing them in a clean container lined with paper towels.
For the best results, wash only the berries you plan to eat right away. Leaving the rest dry helps reduce the chance of mold developing too soon.
