12 storage tips to keep fresh food longer

There are 2 compelling reasons to reduce food waste.

1. You are literally throwing money away every time you throw fresh food out.

2. Food waste produces eight per cent of global greenhouse gas emissions. If food waste was a country it would be the third largest greenhouse gas emitter, behind the USA and China.

One of the simplest ways to avoid food waste is to store it properly.

Here are 12 food storage tips we thought you may like to try.

1. Apples

Remove any rotten apples alongside the good fresh ones. As the saying goes; one rotten apple does indeed spoil the whole bunch

2. Asparagus

Store asparagus bunches upright in a jar with a little water at the bottom and cover with a plastic bag.

3. Avocado

A cut avocado will stay green stored in an airtight container with the skin sitting on a bed of chopped onion.

4. Bananas

To extend the life of a bunch of bananas, wrap the crown of the bunch (that's the end where they grow from) in plastic wrap. Replace the plastic every time you take a banana from the bunch and you should keep the bunch fresh and yellow for an extra 3 - 5 days longer.

5. Berries

If you're tired of strawberries and raspberries going mouldy soon after buying them, try this trick. Before placing them in the fridge rinse in a bowl with a solution made from 1 part apple cider vinegar and 10 parts water. Drain and blot the berries dry on kitchen paper before they go in the fridge. Store in a single layer on kitchen paper.

6. Celery

Celery store in a long plastic container with a ribbed base will keep it for much longer than loose in the fridge. If you haven't got a long container wrap it in foil.

7. Cheese

Brush the cut side with butter or oil to prevent it from drying out.
Cheese will also last longer wrapped in wax paper not plastic or foil. Cheese should be stored in the warmest part of the fridge. If you don't have a cheese drawer, the top shelf in the door is a good place.

8. Ginger
Fresh ginger can be stored in the freezer for months. It's easy to grate when it's frozen and you don't need to peel it.

9. Herbs

Delicate herbs like parsley, basil, coriander and chives will store for longer upright in a jar with a little water. Cover the herbs with a plastic bag and secure the bag at the bottom with an elastic bag. Oily herbs like thyme are better stored in the open air and tied loosely together with string. If you have any leftover rosemary, sage, thyme, and oregano, chop them into icetrays and top up with olive oil. The herb infused oil is great to use in soups and casseroles.

10. Mushrooms

Should always be stored in paper bags. In plastic they sweat and become soft and slimy.

11. Onions

Old pantyhose is a great way to prolong the life of onions and prevent them from going damp and mouldy. Tied a knot in the pantyhose between each onion to keep them apart and they'll store for months longer.

12. Potatoes
To prevent them from sprouting, store potatoes alongside a few apples.

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