How to store vegetables and fruit for long lasting & bull; hello healthy

How to store vegetables and fruit not only affects taste and appearance, but also affects the nutrients they contain. Therefore, it is important to know how to store fruits and vegetables so that they last a long time and are of good quality.

Important guidelines for storing vegetables and fruit

Previously, you must know the basic principles that affect the quality of fruit and how to cook vegetables so that they do not lose their nutrition when stored, namely:

Store at ideal temperature

Fresh fruits and vegetables are actually living things. Even though they are picked and harvested from the trees, they still need oxygen to "breathe" and emit carbon dioxide. The ability of a vegetable and fruit to "breathe" depends on the temperature of the storage area and the type of fruit or vegetable. The lower the storage temperature, the lower the ability of vegetables and fruit to "breathe" and the longer their shelf life. The more oxygen is "inhaled" and the carbon dioxide is released, the faster these fruits and vegetables become rotten and spoiled.

Some types of vegetables / fruit should be stored in a cool place immediately, while some are sensitive to cold temperatures and will rot when put in the refrigerator.

Keeps moisture

All vegetables / fruits contain water. This water content maintains the freshness of vegetables and fruits. However, when the fruit / vegetables are harvested or picked from the tree, a lot of water is lost due to evaporation. Therefore, you must keep the remaining water in the vegetables / fruits from wilting and wrinkling, by inserting the vegetables / fruits into the plastic that has been perforated.

Avoid storing in a place with extreme temperatures

Vegetables or fruit stored at too high or low temperatures will quickly spoil and rot. When the fruit or vegetables are stored inside freezer, it will spoil immediately after thawing. The damage will appear, such as, appearing brown spots on the apples and becoming very soft on the pears. Meanwhile, very high temperatures will cause uneven ripeness, become soft and melted, wrinkled, and become wrinkled.

Pay attention to the condition of newly purchased vegetables and fruits

Most fruits will last longer if they are still covered with skin. The part of the skin that opens on the fruit, creates the potential for the growth of fungi and bacteria that can cause the fruit to rot. Therefore, check the surface condition of your fruit and vegetables regularly and often. If there is a change in color, soggy, or brown in the fruit / vegetable, then immediately remove the rotten part and consume it that is still in good condition.

What must be done so that the fruit and vegetables are fresh longer

After knowing the principles, here are steps you can take to store fruits and vegetables so they stay fresh and last longer:

• After buying fruit or vegetables at the market or in supermarkets, before washing them, it's better to remove the rotten and soggy parts found in fruit or vegetables. After that, then you can wash it clean.
• For greens, separate the leaves from the roots then wash the green leaves with a mixture of cold water, a little vinegar or lemon. The wound mixture or lemon, apart from being able to remove the bacteria present in the vegetables, is also useful for increasing the crispiness of the green leaves. After washing clean, immediately dry the vegetables with a tissue and immediately wrap them in plastic that has been perforated. Then, store it in the refrigerator.
• Do not wash and store rooted vegetables or fruits such as onions or potatoes immediately. Check for any spots for mold and then store in a cool, well-ventilated place. Do not store in the refrigerator.
• Tomatoes are also better kept at room temperature, as low temperatures can make them mushy. If you want to save partially cut tomatoes, then place them on paper bag and store at room temperature.

Vegetables and fruit that should be refrigerated vs. room temperature

In the refrigerator

• Fruits: apples that have been more than 7 days old, apricots, pears, assorted berries, cherries, grapes, and all chopped fruit.
• Vegetables: broccoli, cabbage, celery, carrots, mushrooms, lettuce, spinach, kale.

Room temperature

• Fruits: apples that are less than 7 days old, lemons, various kinds of oranges, mangoes, bananas, pineapples, watermelons, and melons.
• Vegetables: cucumber, onions, pumpkin, chilies, potatoes, tomatoes and ginger.

In addition to maintaining freshness and taste, proper and correct storage of vegetables and fruits will also maintain the nutrients contained in them. Conversely, if you do not pay attention to where the vegetables and fruit are stored, it is not impossible that it will have a bad impact on health due to fungi and bacteria found in vegetables and fruits.