Fresh fruits and vegetables are the wishes of everyone. The people who can grow, who live on agricultural land and do cultivate vegetables can enjoy fresh vegetables. Also, those who have gardens in the home settings, or who are in the practice of homesteading can easily enjoy fresh vegetables.
But then come to the people who are living in the cities, who have no space to grow and enjoy fresh vegetables. They only have one option, a fridge. They try to keep the vegetables fresh in the fridge.
But in a controlled environment, and having less knowledge about preservation keeps wasting their vegetables.
Some of the vegetables can be stored for a longer period of time, in the fridge or out of the fridge. But a real question arises about the leafy green vegetables.
These vegetables cannot be stored for a longer period of time. Today we are going to tell you how to store leafy vegetables in the fridge.
Because leafy green vegetables are one of the important items of healthy food. Every one of us uses these leafy green vegetables in the raw form, or in or along with any dish.
It is important to know about storing them in the fridge for a longer period of time so that we can get maximum nutrients from these vegetables.
What Are Leafy Green Vegetables?
Actually, a lot of people always use leafy green vegetables along with their food, and with other vegetables. Leafy green vegetables consist of green leaves, which are consumed wholly or partially because some of them have hard branches.
Doctors and nutritionists always suggest using leafy green vegetables. They have such an important nutrient in them that the body cannot produce, or other food cannot provide such nutrients. Also, some of these have medicinal and other benefits as well.
Also, these leafy green vegetables are used in much different health conditions, and also to treat different conditions like obesity, etc. When people use these leafy green vegetables they provide a good amount of calories and have no side effects like other foods which can cause obesity.
Moreover, these are light food and have good taste. Many people like different leafy green vegetables according to their preferences. These leafy green vegetables are quite commonly used.
These are not only good for the health but act as the decorator in the dishes, and on the dining table.
How To Store Leafy Green Vegetables In The Fridge?
Before going for the vegetables separately we would like you to learn about the methods/ techniques to use for storing the leafy green vegetables. This will help to consider the leafy vegetables as a whole.
1- Store The Leafy Vegetables Separately
Store the leafy green vegetables separately. While putting them in the fridge make sure they are not along with the other leafy green/ or other vegetables. It is because many fruits and vegetables release ethylene gas.
This gas is known as the ripening hormone, which is released by the fruit or vegetable when it is ripening. This gas can cause other leafy vegetables to erode. This may not remain fresh, or they might also change their leaf’s color.
2- Wash Leafy Green Vegetables Before Storing
Before storing them in the fridge wash them completely. While going through the research you might find that some people suggest that you should not wash the leafy vegetables while storing, but rather wash them while using. It is not supported by much of people.
It is because washing before storing will help in the eradication of harmful bacteria and other germs. Also, while washing and drying you will know which are in not good condition and we should eat them rather than storing them in the fridge. In this way, you will also save the other vegetables from being wasted.
So wash them well before storing them in the fridge. And also dry them well. Because any humidity left will cause problems and the leafy green vegetables might become soggy. They will not remain fresh. So dry them with a towel. You can use paper towels as well.
3- Using The Bags
You can for bagging method as well. Like just get the paper towel inside the airtight bags. Put your leafy green vegetables in it. And close the bags and put them in the fridge.
This paper towel will absorb any humidity left in the leafy green vegetables after washing and drying.
This method is also good because it will keep the vegetables separate from each other. Also, air-tight bags will keep any contamination away from them.
4- Buy Often, But Less In Quantity
One way to avoid the hassle of keeping leafy green vegetables in the fridge for a longer period of time is to buy less. Lesser the quantity you will use them earlier. It will be easy for you to get fresh leafy vegetables.
But it is not possible for all as many are at the job. That’s why they need these storage methods.
Common Leafy Vegetables And Storing Them In The Fridge
As of now, we have discussed the methods to store the leafy vegetables in the fridge. Now we are going to discuss the common leafy green vegetables and how you should store them in the fridge. It will make your task easier.
1- Lettuces And Salad Greens
While storing the tender greens, keep in mind to is good to eat them as soon as possible. They might become slimy and soggy when placed in a plastic bag for a longer period of time. You need to make sure that you eat them as the first priority.
While going for salads, just when you come back from the grocery store do as follow. Get the container or a plastic bag and get the salads into it. Check for leaves that are mushy or turning yellow. Don’t wash them. Just make sure you keep them airtight.
Coming to the lettuces, some have hard braches. You can cut them and keep the leaves, or keep the same. You can cut the ends or keep them as well. Also, don’t wash them. Keep them in an airtight jar or in a bag. Keep them away from others in the fridge because they release ripening gas as well.
2- Leafy Green With Hard Branches
Here we are talking about leafy vegetables with hard branches. You can count on kale, chard, mature spinach, etc. You can keep them in a bowl, or as well in a bag with airtight settings.
You can also keep them wrapped in a paper towel. If they are tied, remove the rubber band and keep them in a paper towel. It will keep them fresh for a week or more.
3- Cabbage And Broccoli
You know the cabbage. It is all leaves. It doesn’t matter what type or color of cabbage is. Whether it is green, red, or savoy you just need to wrap the cabbage in plastic wrap and put it in the fridge. These are bid. You might need settings to fit it in. it can be stored for 2 to 3 weeks.
Broccoli doesn’t have leaves but it is included in green vegetables. It is usually used along with leafy green vegetables. All you need to do is put the broccoli in a loose plastic bag.
Don’t wash them before you need them. It is better that you store them without washing them. It can be stored for almost a week. But as you use earlier it is good and tasty. You can freeze it as well. Frozen broccoli can be stored for almost six months.
4- Celery
Celery is a commonly liked leafy vegetable. Many people liked it for its crisp tasty. There are many other benefits of using it. To store the celery, you need to put it in a plastic bag. Wrap it in the foil. While wrapping takes care of the edges. Keep it in a plastic bag.
And then put the plastic bag in the mason jar. You can put it along with anything in the mason jar. If you have brought the celery and it has become soggy and limp, keep it in the water for an hour or two. It will revive back somehow.
5- Green Onions and Garlic
Green onions and green garlic are used in many dishes. Also, these are served along with the salad as well. Although they don’t have leaves, they have green bushels. If you need to store them in the fridge, cut them from half of the length.
Remove the roots. Dry the leafy onions and garlic. Wrap them, and place them in a plastic bag. Then simply put them in the fridge. You can store green onions and garlic for a longer period of time.
In short, you can keep the leafy green vegetables fresh and stored in the fridge by just following the basic instructions. It will help you in avoiding day to day visits to the grocery market. and you would be able to enjoy leafy green vegetables without any wastage.