Lemon juice
An effective antioxidant, lemon juice contains citric acid
which prevents the oxidization process and, thus, prevents browning. Squeeze
lemon juice over fruits or vegetables to keep them fresh. You could also soak
the cut pieces in a bowl of cold water and lemon juice (one teaspoon juice for
one cup water) for 3-5 minutes, before rinsing and draining.
Pineapple juice
Pineapple juice has antioxidant properties
similar to lemon and can be used to prevent browning.
Soda water
In case lemon or pineapple juices are not
available, keep your fruits from turning brown by using soda water or club
soda. This preservative does not affect the taste of the fruits.
Salt
Salt is a natural preservative; sprinkle some
over a plate of sliced fruits to keep them from darkening. Another way is to
dissolve 1/8 teaspoon of salt into one cup of water and soak the slices for a
few minutes. After draining, rinse them off with fresh water to avoid any taste
of salt.
Citric acid
Citric and ascorbic acids are naturally
forming organic compounds with antioxidant properties. Sprinkle them on
freshly-cut fruit slices and keep them fresh for as long as eight hours.
Vinegar
This can be used as an easy replacement for
citric acid, but it is important to dilute the vinegar considering its
sourness. Add a tablespoon to a bowl of water and soak the cut fruit slices for
a few minutes before serving or storing them.
Thermotherapy
To prevent berries from growing mouldy
overnight, give them a hot bath to kill off spores. Next, spread them on a
towel to dry and then store them in refrigerator.
Plastic wrap
Plastic wraps cut off the air contact with a
sliced fruit, thus preventing oxidizing and browning. Just make sure that the
wrap is covered tightly with no air pockets left.
Honey
Mix two tablespoons of honey in a cup of water
and soak the sliced fruits in the mixture for 30 seconds. Honey keeps the
fruits from browning by deactivating the enzymes responsible for oxidization.
Lime soda and ginger ale
Carbonated drinks such as
lime soda and ginger ale contain citric acid. Soak the fruit slices for a few
minutes in a bowl containing the carbonated drink. After draining, rinse them
with fresh water or let the added flavor make your fruits taste a little
different than usual.
Now, let's take a look at
ways of keeping specific fruits and vegetables fresher for longer.
Avocados
Pip the avocado, squeeze lemon juice on the
fleshy surface and then tightly cover the pieces in plastic wrap to last
longer.
Apples
This method can be used only if the apple's
outer layer is left intact. After cutting the fruit in half longitudinally,
hold the slices together using a rubber band. This prevents the flesh’s
exposure to air and keeps it from browning.
Apples
This method is best for apples that you plan
to use for cooking or baking purposes. Put the slices in a pot of boiling water
for around five minutes. Next, rinse them under running cold water and drain.
The blanching process deactivates the enzymes that react with oxygen and turns
the fruit brown.
Bananas
For bananas to last for a few days, seal them
in a plastic bag and keep them in the fridge. The peel might turn brown or
black due to enzymes present in them, but the cold temperature will keep the
flesh within from ripening further.
Leafy greens
If lettuce, spinach or any other leafy greens
appear wilted after being refrigerated for around two days, you can still
regain their freshness with an ice bath. Dip the leaves in a bowl with ice and
water and shake them gently for a few minutes. After draining, spread the
leaves on a dry towel to get rid of any extra moisture.
Broccoli
To make broccoli and celery last longer, wrap
them in aluminum foil before storing in the refrigerator. This will keep them
from wilting.
Tomatoes
Always store tomatoes at room temperature as
putting them in a refrigerator results in wrinkled skin and reduced flavor.
Keep them in a bowl lined with paper towel with their stems facing upward.
Mushrooms
Mushrooms' freshness can be made to last
longer by packing them in styrofoam with plastic wrap and then storing in a
refrigerator.
Potatoes
Store potatoes in a dry place at room
temperature to keep them fresher for longer.
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