Clever kitchen roll hack that keeps your salad fresher for longer
Food prices have risen dramatically over the last few years so it's no wonder shoppers are always on the lookout for ways to keep their food fresher for longer.
It has been predicted that shopping prices will increase by a further 4.9% this year meaning that grocery bills will have shot up 40% since 2020. With costs rising, shoppers want to get the most out of their purchases. New research by Aldi revealed that almost a quarter of households (24%) only get through half a bag of salad before having to throw it away.
Many will relate to the frustration of opening up a bag of salad only to find slimy leaves just days after the big food shop. Unfortunately, bagged spinach and salad leaves have a short shelf life and are one of the most wasted foods.
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Home food waste expert and author, Kate Hall believes placing a sheet of kitchen paper into your salad container will absorb any excess moisture in your salad leaves which will stop them from turning brown. Kate also encouraged shoppers to give theri veg a drink to stop it from going dehydrated.
Kate's five top tips to keep your fruit and vegetables fresher for longer.
Pop your potatoes in the fridge – Potatoes are best stored in the fridge which can help them last over three times longer! If you don’t have enough fridge space, keep them in a cool, dry, well-ventilated area like the garage and away from onions.
Beware of Ethylene Gas – Certain fruits and veggies like bananas, apples and tomatoes emit high levels of ethylene gas (a natural gas that's produced as fruit ripens), which can cause your other ethylene-sensitive produce, such as berries, cherries and grapes, to ripen and ruin faster – so keep them separate!
Always check your berries – If there is one single mouldy berry hiding away in your punnet, then microscopic spores can easily and quickly contaminate the rest. Try to only wash them before you eat so not to add more unnecessary moisture.
Don’t pre-prep your fruit or veg – Whilst some people will swear by prepping ahead to get their daily dose of goodness, this can lead to your produce spoiling faster. To help your fruit and veg last as long as possible, keep its outer armour intact until you’re ready to eat it.
Give your veg a drink – If you see veg going a bit ‘bendy’, try trimming the ends and submerging them in cold water. Often veg has not gone bad, it’s just dehydrated!
The Aldi study also revealed that almost 60% of Scottish people don't know how to store their fruit and vegetables correctly.
Aldi estimated that families throw away at least nine pieces of fruit and vegetables per week — a total of 468 a year — with over half (52%) believing they waste up to £10 every week on food that gets thrown out.
Kate said: “Food waste is a major issue for many households across the UK, wasting both our time and money. However, there are many small changes we can make that can have a big positive impact. By storing our produce differently or adopting a few simple habits, we can significantly reduce food waste, save money, and make sure we actually eat the food we've worked hard to pay for.”
Julie Ashfield, Managing Director of Buying at Aldi UK, said:“At Aldi, we are proud to offer a helping hand in ensuring our shoppers have the freshest fruit and veg possible with our Fresh Guarantee. If customers aren’t satisfied with their purchase, they are welcome to return fresh fruit and vegetables for a full refund. We hope shoppers find Kate’s tips helpful and by following her advice, spot a difference in the longevity of their fruit and veg.”
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