Sofia Martinez
Plastic is a significant form of pollution, and it can also be harmful to our health. BPA, a toxic chemical found in plastic, can leach into our produce and make its way into our bodies. Luckily, there are many ways to keep food fresh without plastic. Glass containers, jars, and cotton or mesh produce bags are all great alternatives to plastic. Some foods, such as asparagus, avocados, and watermelon, are best stored at room temperature, while others, like leafy greens, can be wrapped in a tea towel and placed in a glass container in the fridge.
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What You'll Learn
Use cotton/cloth produce bags
Cotton and cloth produce bags are a great way to keep food fresh without using plastic. They are lightweight, versatile, and durable, making them perfect for grocery shopping and food storage at home. Cotton bags with a drawstring, such as Ecobags, are ideal for storing hardier produce items.
For leafy greens, a mesh cotton bag with large woven perforated holes is recommended. Vejibags offers a French terry cloth bag that can effectively keep leafy greens crisp and flavorful. These bags are not recommended for long-term storage but are perfect for transporting greens from the store to your fridge.
Cotton waxed bags are another excellent plastic-free option for the freezer. Their flat bottoms make them easy to fill and store, and they can be placed upright. These bags are not airtight but do a better job of protecting the contents from the air than conventional cotton bags.
When using cotton or cloth bags, you can also spritz them with water to help your produce last longer. This technique works well for storing lettuce, chard, and grapes in the crisper drawer of your fridge.
Cotton and cloth bags are a simple and effective way to reduce your plastic waste and keep your produce fresh. They are versatile, and with a few adjustments like dampening the bag, you can use them for a variety of fruits and vegetables.
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Store in glass containers
Glass containers are a great way to store food without using plastic. Glass containers are versatile, as they can be used to store food in the refrigerator or freezer, and they come in various sizes, such as jars and bowls. They are also cost-effective and can be easily found in stores.
When storing food in glass containers, it is important to keep a few things in mind. Firstly, make sure the containers are clean and dry before use. Secondly, consider the type of food you are storing. For example, leafy greens like lettuce should be washed and dried before storing. They can then be placed in a glass container with a tea towel or cloth to absorb any excess moisture.
Other types of produce, such as carrots, can be cut and stored in sealed glass containers in the fridge. You can also store them upright in a glass of water. For herbs like cilantro, you can chop them finely, spread them on a cloth, and once semi-dried, place them in a cookie sheet and freeze them. You can then transfer the frozen herbs into a glass jar for storage.
Glass containers are also useful for storing fruits. For instance, figs can be stored in a single layer in a glass container. Grapes can be stored in a glass container or cloth produce bag. Additionally, certain fruits like avocados, melons, and stone fruits (apricots, nectarines, peaches, and plums) are best stored at room temperature until ripe and then transferred to the refrigerator.
Overall, storing food in glass containers is a simple and effective way to keep food fresh without plastic. By following a few simple steps and considering the type of food being stored, you can easily extend the life of your produce and reduce food waste.
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Freeze your greens
If you have a large batch of greens, consider freezing them to lock in freshness and flavour. You can freeze greens with or without blanching them first.
To freeze greens without blanching, wash and thoroughly dry your greens. Then, lay them out on a baking sheet in a single layer. Once frozen, transfer the greens to a freezer-safe container or bag. This method will help prevent freezer burn and stop the greens from freezing into a solid block.
To blanch greens before freezing, wash the greens and chop them into your desired size. Then, blanch the greens in boiling water for 1-2 minutes before plunging them into ice water to stop the cooking process. Drain the greens and lay them out on a paper towel to dry. Once dry, transfer the greens to a freezer-safe container or bag.
Freezing greens without blanching is a quicker method, but blanching can help preserve the colour, flavour, and texture of the greens.
You can also freeze herbs such as cilantro. After using fresh cilantro for a few days, chop the herb finely and spread it onto a cloth. Once it is mostly dry, place the cilantro on a cookie sheet and freeze it. Then, transfer the frozen herb to a jar or container.
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Use beeswax or wax wraps
Beeswax or wax wraps are a great zero-waste tool for storing food. They are a good alternative to plastic wrap and can be used to cover bowls or wrapped around food items directly. For example, you can use them to cover a bowl of leftover food or wrap half an avocado, lemon, or onion to keep it fresh.
Beeswax wraps are typically made from cotton infused with beeswax, jojoba oil, and tree resin. The beeswax makes the wrap sticky, the jojoba oil helps to soften it, and the tree resin gives it strength and flexibility. To use beeswax wraps, simply mould them around your food item or container with the warmth of your hands. The wraps will create a seal to keep your food fresh. They are breathable and allow your produce to stay fresh for longer.
Wax wraps are also available in vegan options, which are usually made from a blend of natural ingredients like pine resin, organic jojoba oil, and vegan wax instead of beeswax. These wraps are also flexible, sticky, and breathable.
Beeswax or wax wraps are easy to care for and can last up to a year or longer. To clean them, rinse with cool water and mild soap, then air dry. Avoid sources of heat such as hot water, microwaves, dishwashers, and ovens, as these can melt the wax.
Beeswax or wax wraps are a great way to reduce your plastic waste and keep your food fresh. They are easy to use, reusable, and environmentally friendly.
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Store in ventilated baskets
Storing food in ventilated baskets is a great way to keep your produce fresh without using plastic. This method is especially useful for those with limited kitchen space, as baskets can be hung on walls, clearing up counter space.
When using ventilated baskets, it is important to consider the type of food you are storing and its specific requirements. For example, garlic and onions can be stored in baskets at room temperature, whereas leafy greens require a cooler environment and should be placed in the refrigerator.
To ensure proper ventilation, opt for baskets with a loose weave. This allows air to circulate around the produce, keeping it fresh. Additionally, consider using natural fibres for your baskets, such as cotton or seagrass, which are breathable and help regulate moisture.
For delicate produce like leafy greens, consider using a cloth liner inside your basket. This adds an extra layer of protection and can be easily washed and reused. Place your greens in the basket, ensuring they are not packed too tightly, as this can cause them to rot. Keep the basket in the refrigerator, ideally in a cooler area like the crisper drawer or towards the back.
Ventilated baskets are also ideal for storing fruits and vegetables that do not require refrigeration. For example, you can store citrus fruits, avocados, and root vegetables like carrots and sweet potatoes in baskets on your kitchen counter. Just be sure to keep them away from direct sunlight and heat sources, as this can affect their freshness.
By utilising ventilated baskets, you can effectively store a variety of produce while reducing your reliance on plastic packaging. This method not only helps to prolong the life of your food but also contributes to a more sustainable and eco-friendly lifestyle.
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Frequently asked questions
There are many ways to store fruits and vegetables without using plastic. You can use glass containers, jars, or cotton/cloth bags. Some vegetables, like asparagus, carrots, and celery, can be stored in a glass of water. You can also wrap leafy greens in a tea towel or cloth bag and place them in a glass container in the fridge.
Reusable cotton or mesh bags are great alternatives to plastic bags for storing food. They are lightweight, durable, and allow ventilation. Cotton waxed bags are another option that can be used in place of ziplock bags. Beeswax or vegan reusable food wraps can be used in place of cling film.
To keep bread fresh without using plastic, you can use a bread box or bread bag made from natural materials like cotton or linen. Keeping bread in a cool, dry place, such as a pantry or bread bin, can also help extend its shelf life.
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