Maya Ellison
Reducing plastic waste is an important step towards a more sustainable lifestyle. Many people are looking for ways to store produce without plastic, and there are several effective methods to do so. From using cotton or beeswax wraps to storing fruits and vegetables in water, there are various techniques to keep produce fresh without relying on plastic packaging. Additionally, factors such as ethylene sensitivity, temperature, and moisture levels play a crucial role in maintaining the quality of different types of produce.
How to store produce without plastic
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Herbs | Put the stems in a small jar filled with water in the fridge |
| Salad greens | Store in a slanted candy jar with a metal lid |
| Ethylene-sensitive produce | Keep ethylene-producing food away from ethylene-sensitive food |
| Fruits and vegetables | Store at room temperature if consuming within 1-3 days |
| Carrots | Cut the tops off and place in an open container with a moist towel or dunk in cold water |
| Celery | Dunk in cold water |
| Stone fruits | Keep in a brown paper bag on the counter until ripe, then place in the fridge |
| Cherries and grapes | Store in an airtight container without moisture |
| Apples | Store on a cool counter or shelf for up to two weeks |
| Pears | Ripen in a paper bag on the counter, then put in the fridge |
| Melons | Store uncut on the counter and out of the sun. Once cut, place slices in a container with a dry tea towel |
| Inflorescent vegetables | Put in an open container or wrap with a damp towel and place in the fridge |
| Mushrooms | Store in a paper bag in the fridge |
| Leafy greens | Rinse and dry, then store in a salad spinner or wrap in a dry towel and put in a mesh bag |
| Veggies and fruits | Store in Veggie Saver Bags, cotton bags, or reusable silicone bags |
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What You'll Learn
Store herbs in water in the fridge
Storing herbs in water in the fridge is a great way to keep them fresh without using plastic. Here are some tips to help you get started:
First, remove any rubber bands or plastic ties from your herbs, as these can damage the stems. Give the herbs a good wash in a large bowl of cool water, changing the water until it runs clear to remove any dirt. You can also use a salad spinner to gently spin them dry. Then, spread them on a clean towel or paper towels to absorb any excess moisture.
Trim about an inch from the bottom of the stems. Place the herbs in a jar or glass with an inch or so of water, covering the stems but not the leaves. You can also use a tall, narrow container or a one-quart plastic deli container with a lid. Change the water every few days to keep it fresh, and trim the stems again if needed.
Cover the herbs with a slightly damp paper towel to maintain humidity and place them in the fridge. You can secure the paper towel with an elastic band and then place a plastic bag over the arrangement to reduce oxygen exposure and keep the herbs fresh for longer. Alternatively, use a container with a lid, such as a mason jar, to achieve the same effect.
With this method, soft herbs like parsley, cilantro, dill, and mint can stay fresh for up to two weeks, sometimes even longer. Basil is an exception among tender herbs and should not be refrigerated, as its leaves will turn black when exposed to cold temperatures. Instead, treat basil like a bouquet of flowers and place it in a vase with water at room temperature, changing the water daily.
By following these simple steps, you can effectively store your herbs in water in the fridge, reducing plastic waste, and enjoying fresh herbs for longer.
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Use cotton bags
Cotton bags are an excellent option for storing produce without plastic. They are washable, reusable, and can serve multiple purposes, such as storage and grocery bags.
Veggie Saver Bags, made of cotton, are a popular choice for keeping produce fresh for extended periods. These bags are touted as "magical" for their ability to maintain the crispness of vegetables for several weeks beyond their typical shelf life. For example, spinach stored in these bags can remain crisp for up to three weeks.
Cotton bags are particularly useful for storing leafy greens like arugula, snap peas, and spinach. Wrapping the produce in a dry towel before placing it in the cotton bag helps to maintain crispness. Additionally, cotton bags are ideal for storing produce like asparagus, which benefits from being placed upright in a small amount of water, as the bags can accommodate this storage method.
When it comes to storing certain types of fruits and vegetables, cotton bags can be a useful tool. For instance, mushrooms can be stored in cloth produce bags within a paper bag in the refrigerator. This method helps to keep the mushrooms fresh, and if they do dry out, they can be easily reconstituted with water.
Cotton bags are also recommended for storing stone fruits like apricots, plums, peaches, and avocados. These fruits should initially be kept in a brown paper bag on the counter until they reach their peak ripeness, after which they can be transferred to the refrigerator. Cotton bags can be used in place of paper bags for this purpose, offering a reusable and eco-friendly alternative.
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Separate ethylene-producing and ethylene-sensitive produce
Ethylene is a natural plant hormone that is released by some fruits and vegetables to signal to others that it is time to ripen. Some produce is more sensitive to ethylene than others, and keeping ethylene-producing and ethylene-sensitive produce together can cause the sensitive produce to over-ripen and spoil.
Ethylene-producing fruits and vegetables include:
- Apples
- Apricots
- Avocados
- Bananas
- Kiwis
- Mangoes
- Melons
- Nectarines
- Peaches
- Pears
- Plums
- Tomatoes
Ethylene-sensitive produce includes:
- Asparagus
- Broccoli
- Carrots
- Cucumbers
- Eggplants
- Green beans
- Leafy greens
- Okra
- Parsley
- Peas
- Squash
- Sweet potatoes
- Watercress
To prevent ethylene-sensitive produce from spoiling prematurely, it is important to separate it from ethylene-producing fruits and vegetables. Store ethylene-sensitive produce in well-ventilated areas, such as in open containers or paper/mesh bags, and ensure good airflow in your storage area.
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Store carrots and beets in water
Storing carrots and beets in water is a great way to keep them fresh without using plastic. Here are some methods to try:
Sand and Water Method
Fill a container with sterilized sand or a mixture of sand and sawdust. Dampen the sand with water, either by spraying with a water bottle or using a reservoir system at the bottom of the container. Place the carrots and beets into the damp sand, ensuring they are fully covered. This method helps preserve freshness and prevents rot by keeping excess moisture away from the vegetables. Store the container in a cool, dark place, such as a garage or basement. Check on the vegetables periodically and remove any that are spoiling to prevent the whole batch from going bad.
Water Soaking Method
For softened carrots, you can try briefly soaking them in ice water for 5-10 minutes to revive them. However, freezing carrots is not recommended as they tend to turn mushy.
Refrigerator Storage
When storing carrots and beets in the refrigerator, it is important to wash and thoroughly dry them first. Remove the tops, leaving a small bit of green, and place them in a container with a small amount of water. You can also use a zip-top bag, removing as much air as possible before placing it in the crisper drawer. Keep the temperature in the refrigerator low, ideally around 32-40°F, to prolong their freshness. Remember to check on them regularly and remove any that are softening or showing signs of growth.
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Use beeswax wraps
Beeswax wraps are a perfect replacement for plastic zip-top bags. They are typically made using cotton fabric, beeswax, tree resin, and plant oils like jojoba or coconut oil. The combination of these ingredients creates a texture that is strong enough to lock out moisture and air, yet pliable enough to shape around different types of foods and containers.
Beeswax wraps are ideal for storing food sustainably and covering bowls with a tight seal. They are also meant to be sticky, allowing them to stick to more than just fabric. For example, you can use them to wrap a bowl of freshly cut produce or an open pack of lunch meat.
Beeswax wraps come in pre-cut sheets in various sizes, ranging from small to extra-large. You can also get them in roll form, which allows you to customize the shape and size of each sheet. When choosing beeswax wraps, it's important to consider the dimensions of the food you intend to store and select a size that will properly fit.
Beeswax wraps are a great way to cut down on plastic and store food sustainably. With regular use and good care, they can last for an entire year. When they lose their grip, they can be composted or used as natural fire starters.
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Frequently asked questions
Put the stems in a small jar filled with water and place it in the fridge. Basil is an exception and should be kept on the counter.
Vegetables like carrots, beets, radishes, and turnips should have their tops cut off and then be placed in an open container with a moist towel on top. You can also dunk them in cold water every few days to rehydrate them. Inflorescent vegetables like broccoli or cauliflower should be put in an open container or wrapped in a damp towel and placed in the fridge.
Stone fruits like apricots, plums, peaches, and avocados should be kept in a brown paper bag on the counter until ripe and then placed in the fridge. Melons should be stored uncut on the counter and out of the sun. Apples can be stored on a cool counter or shelf for up to two weeks, and for longer storage, they can be placed in an open cardboard box in the fridge.
