When purchasing fresh fruit and veg, you might be tempted to buy just about everything that looks good. However, it is important to know that fresh produce does not stay fresh for long and it needs to be consumed before it goes bad. This is why it is best to buy in smaller quantities and more often as opposed to buying a large amount every couple of weeks. In addition, here are some important freshness tips to keep in mind.<\/p>\n
While your fresh fruit basket may look lovely with an abundance of colours, not all fruit and veg can be placed in the same basket. This is because there are some fruits that produce a substance known as ethylene. This is great for helping speed up the ripening process. However, ripe fruit will soon go bad when they are exposed to this substance. Some foods that are sensitive to ethylene include apples, carrots, watermelons, lettuce and cucumbers. Fruits known for releasing this gas include bananas, avocados, mangoes, kiwis, peaches, pears and tomatoes.<\/p>\n
Not all fruit and veg needs to be refrigerated. For example, tomatoes, onions and potatoes should be kept at room temperature. If it is particularly warm, carrots and celery root do better in the fridge.<\/p>\n
Another tip to remember with refrigerating fruit is to only do so once they have ripened. Unripe fruit will ripen extremely slowly if you refrigerate them right away. Another important tip to keep in mind is that even bananas can be refrigerated. Yes, the skin might turn black but they are still perfectly delicious and fresh on the inside.<\/p>\n
Citrus fruits like oranges should be kept away from direct sunlight and in a cool spot. If you have space in your fridge, you can store them here. In fact, they are even more enjoyable when they are chilled.<\/p>\n
Of all the exotic fruit and veg you will find during this time of year, pineapples are a top choice in many homes. You can preserve your fresh pineapples by cutting off the leafy tops and turning them upside down. This allows sugars in the fruit to be redistributed and it helps keep the pineapple fresher for longer.<\/p>\n