We’ve all been there—buying fresh vegetables with the best intentions, only to find them wilted and unusable days later. It’s frustrating, and let’s be honest, it’s a waste of money and good food. Luckily, with just a little water and some simple storage tricks, you can extend the life of some of the quickest-spoiling veggies. Here are five vegetables that will stay fresher for much longer with this easy method.
1. Celery
Celery is a crisp, hydrating snack that works in everything from smoothies to soups. However, it can turn limp surprisingly fast. To keep it fresh, cut off the very bottom of the stalks and place the cut ends down in a glass with a few inches of water. Store it in the fridge and change the water every couple of days. You’ll be surprised how much longer your celery stays crunchy!
2. Chives
Chives can go bad quickly if just tossed into the crisper drawer. Instead, remove any rubber bands holding the bunch together and stand them in a glass with about an inch of water. For extra protection, loosely cover them with a reusable produce bag. Keep them in the fridge and replace the water every couple of days for the freshest chives possible.
3. Christophene
Christophene can spoil quickly if left unprotected in the fridge. To keep it fresh, store it in a glass of water in the fridge, cut-side down if it has been sliced. This method prevents it from drying out and maintains its firm texture longer.
4. Patchoi
Patchoi is commonly used in stir-fries and soups, but it wilts fast if not stored properly. Place the stems in a glass with about an inch of water to extend its freshness and keep it in the fridge. Cover loosely with a produce bag and change the water regularly to maintain crisp, vibrant leaves.
5. Potatoes
While potatoes don’t necessarily spoil quickly, they can darken and dry out once peeled. If you know you’ll be cooking potatoes the next day, store peeled and cut potatoes in a container filled with water. This keeps them from browning and drying out. When ready to cook, simply drain, rinse, and prepare as usual.
Bonus Tip: Reduce Food Waste with Veggie Scraps
Instead of tossing the bits and ends you cut off, collect them in a container and store them in the freezer. Once you have enough, use them to make a delicious homemade veggie broth! It’s a simple way to save money and cut down on food waste.
By using these simple water-based storage tricks, you’ll keep your veggies fresher for longer and make the most of your grocery budget. Give these hacks a try and enjoy fresh, crisp produce all week long!