“This is a sponsored post for SheSpeaks/Rubbermaid®.”
Did you know that Americans waste $24 billion worth of produce every year, which is the equivalent of $192 per household.** Well I am just as guilty of this, and personally I can’t stand to throw away money or unused fruits and vegetables.
I am trying to extend the life of my purchases through everyday steps as well as testing out Rubbermaid FreshWorks Produce Saver, now available in 3 new sizes!
Because of this, I really attempt to use what I have and based on my own experiences here are my Ways To Help Keep Produce Fresh Longer!
Meal Planning-
Fruits and Vegetables aren’t going to last forever, so I try to buy only what is needed for the week. If I notice they are becoming too ripe, I may change up my meal for the day or freeze items like fruits to be used in smoothies. Meal prepping and freezing might be a better option as well.
Refrigerate or Not-
Knowing your produce can determine whether or not to place them in the fridge. Personally I immediately put my berries and apples in, however I keep my avocados out until they get ripe and move them to the fridge to help them last longer.
Avoid Sunlight-
Unless I am trying to ripen something like tomatoes, I keep my fresh fruits and veggies out of the sunlight. I have made this mistake before and ended up with a mess on the window sill.
Remove Moisture-
Especially with berries, moisture is sure way to loose all of the freshness and end up with a mushy mess. I suggest removing items from their original packaging, eliminate moisture by patting them dry with a paper towel, and transporting refrigerator items into a container like Rubbermaid FreshWorks to maintain freshness.
I am still testing out my Rubbermaid FreshWorks, however I have immediately seen a difference in transferring fresh green beans out of the bag. Normally a lot of moisture accumulates however with these containers I am not seeing that.
In addition, I purchased raspberries at the store and typically the ones on the bottom become overly ripe and wet if I leave them in their original containers after a couple days. During the same time frame I have not noticed that same softness at the bottom on the built in FreshWorks tray, plus the moisture is being brought down below.
Shop Local or Use “You Pick”-
We happen to have a Farmer’s Market down the road, so I can take advantage of extremely fresh fruits and veggies. Making a local connection for items that are seasonal to your area is an ideal way to keep produce fresher longer or look for “You Pick” options in your community.
In the past my family has picked fresh blueberries and strawberries and it feels great to support local businesses. Plus I love bringing home Pickler Cucumbers that are grown right there on the farm (These usually disappear in a day along with the Strawberries we recently bought.)
About FreshWorks Produce Saver –
FreshWorks is a food storage container that uses patented FreshVentTM technology to keep produce fresher up to 80% longer* than traditional produce packaging. It uses a revolutionary built-in FreshVent™ lid, which naturally regulates the flow of oxygen and CO2, in and out of the container to create the optimal environment so produce stays nearly as fresh as the day it was picked.
In addition, the CrispTrayTM at the bottom elevates produce away from moisture and promotes proper airflow to help reduce spoilage. FYI, the lid filter will last a lifetime so no replacements needed. Plus, the containers are made in the USA of global components, are BPA-free, and dishwasher safe.
Do you have any additional ideas on how to Help Keep Produce Fresh Longer?
Rubbermaid FreshWorks are now available in NEW sizes including: a Large Square (11.1 Cups): which is perfect for Tomatoes, a Long Rectangle (8.4 Cups) ideal for asparagus or zucchini, and Small Rectangle (4.0 Cups) sized just right for green beans (I used it for Raspberries). Also look for containers in Small (2.5 Cups), Medium (6.3 Cups), and Large (17.3 Cups).
To learn more about how to Keep Produce Fresh with FreshWorks Produce Saver visit Rubbermaid.com, Plus, check them out on Twitter @Rubbermaid, Instagram: @Rubbermaid, and Facebook: facebook.com/Rubbermaid.
Carlee @ FLL
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