Fresh greens like kale, cilantro, lettuce, and spinach are healthy but wilt easily if not stored carefully. With proper techniques, you can keep them fresh for a longer span of time and enjoy them for days. These are some simple yet useful tips on how to store greens in your refrigerator to keep them fresh. Tips To Store Greens in Refrigerator Fresh for Days.
1. Wash and Dry Thoroughly
Rinse greens in cold water before storing to eliminate dirt and pesticides. Too much water, however, encourages spoilage. Pat them dry with a clean towel or spin them with a salad spinner before placing them in the fridge.
2. Keep Greens in Airtight Containers or Ziplock Bags
Put the greens in covered containers or resealable bags with a paper towel in between them. The towel will draw out excess moisture without causing sogginess. Squeeze out as much air as possible before closing to avoid oxidation.
3. Wrap Herbs in Damp Paper Towels
Wrap delicate herbs like cilantro, parsley, and mint using a dampened paper towel and place them in a plastic bag or container. This maintains moisture without waterlogging.
4. Keep Greens in Crisper Drawer
The crisper drawer of a fridge contains the perfect humidity. Put the leafy greens there, away from fruits such as bananas and apples that emit ethylene gas and cause wilting.
5. Keep Stems and Leaves Apart
For greens with large stems (like kale or Swiss chard), leaves and stems are stored separately. Stems also keep longer in the moist state, while leaves wilt if stored properly.
6. Blanch Before Freezing (For Long-Term Storage)
If not consuming greens in a few days, blanch (quickly boil and refrigerate) before freezing. This will preserve color, texture, and nutrients for many months. Store in freezer bags.
7. Check and Replenish Occasionally
Occasionally check stored greens for moldy or slimy leaves. Replace paper towel if damp and trim mold spots to prevent infecting.
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