Proper storage of vegetables and fruits allows you to extend their freshness and save money on the next purchase of products. But coming back from the market or supermarket, we just load all the goods from the packages into the refrigerator, not knowing that this approach has many drawbacks. First, not all gifts of nature should be stored in the refrigerator. To preserve some of them, for example, tomatoes and potatoes, low temperatures are generally undesirable. Secondly, many fruits and vegetables are not recommended to be kept together. Products with a short shelf life quickly overripe and begin to infect others. Finally, storing vegetables in a refrigerator drawer often leads to the fact that we simply forget about individual fruits buried under bunches of greens or cabbage heads.

Today you will learn how to properly store vegetables in the kitchen. Read more about the ideal terms and conditions of savings, as well as convenient and beautiful containers for vegetables and fruits, which will help decorate the interior of your kitchen or pantry!

The right conditions for storing vegetables and fruits

Below you will find a table that shows the ideal terms and conditions for storing popular fruits and vegetables in alphabetical order. But before we proceed to it, we will give some general principles:

1. Before storing any vegetables, it is recommended to remove the leaves, leaving only a couple of centimeters, which will deter premature drying.
2. Make sure that the package with vegetables has several holes for ventilation (see the table below - this rule has its exceptions).
3. Distribute vegetables freely over the refrigerator. The closer they are to each other, the faster they begin to rot.
4. Wash vegetables and fruits immediately before consumption.
5. Stone fruits (except cherries and sweet cherries), tomatoes, melons, mangoes, avocados, apples and pears can be stored in a roomy environment where they will continue to ripen.
6. Sweet pepper, grapes, bananas, all citrus fruits and berries should be stored only in the refrigerator.
7. Potatoes, onions, garlic and ginger root react poorly to high humidity in refrigerators, which causes them to rot and change their taste. They are best stored in wire and woven baskets, wooden boxes and other vented containers at room temperature.
8. Carrots and beets are recommended to be stored unwashed in a cool place. If it is a refrigerator, then the container for them should be sealed to protect against moisture, which these roots are afraid of.

Here are the best ways to store vegetables and fruits at home:

Also read: 30 ways to store spices in the kitchen

Convenient containers for storing vegetables in the kitchen

Since many fruits and vegetables can be stored at room temperature, the question arises: what is better to keep them? Ideally, vegetable containers should have vented walls and do not take up much space. Special woven baskets or wooden boxes are an excellent option that will add your kitchen character and coziness. Some containers can also be part of the kitchen cabinet. Below we will give the 5 best options with a photo in the design of the kitchen.

1. Suspended containers

Suspended shelves, baskets and other containers for vegetables are one of the best ways to save space and give the kitchen a rustic feel. They can be hung above or next to the worktop, which makes the cooking process much more convenient.

2. Wicker and wire baskets for vegetables

Baskets for vegetables can also be hung on walls or built into kitchen cabinets. Wicker baskets made of natural material are considered ideal because they "breathe" and do not have large holes (like wire), which helps to keep clean in the kitchen.

Also read: How to hang rails in the kitchen - 25 ideas with photo

3. Kitchen boxes for vegetables

Boxes for vegetables are good because they can be conveniently embedded inside the kitchen cupboard. Please note that despite the beautiful appearance, the wooden boxes do not provide sufficient air circulation. Perforated and wire metal boxes can save your vegetables longer from spoilage.

Also read: Intelligent sliding systems for the kitchen, which every housewoman dreams of

4. Staves for storing vegetables in the kitchen

Multi-level boxes and trays are another good option for a small kitchen. The wheeled pedestal can be an ideal solution at all.

Also read: Design of a small pantry in an apartment - 10 best ideas

5. Storage of vegetables in a special cabinet

Finally, the storage of vegetables and fruits can be arranged in any old pedestal, having carefully done in it "windows" with wire mesh. These windows allow the air to circulate, and you - to see what is hidden inside each compartment. Look at the photo, how can I make such a vegetable box with my own hands: