Storing vegetables properly is essential to keep them fresh for longer. Kristin Marr, founder of Live Simply and a well-known chef, recommends using zip bags and paper towels as an effective way to preserve fresh vegetables. This method retains many of the healthy nutrients in the vegetables and helps prolong their freshness throughout the week.
One common mistake people make when storing vegetables is washing them immediately after buying. However, certain vegetables like lettuce require special moisture levels and cannot tolerate excessive moisture. To avoid this, it’s best not to wash leafy vegetables before using them. Vegetables need airy space to “breathe,” and if they are kept in sealed plastic packaging, moisture can accumulate and cause damage. On the other hand, if the air is too dry, vegetables can wilt quickly.
Kristin Marr introduces a simple preservation method that only takes about 5 minutes but can extend the freshness of lettuce, kale, and spinach for another week or more. The method involves separating the vegetable leaves from the tubers, placing them in a zip bag with a paper towel, sealing the bag, and storing it in the refrigerator. The paper towel helps absorb excess moisture, preventing the vegetables from becoming too wet and spoiling prematurely. It’s also important not to pack the bags too tightly as vegetables need air circulation to stay fresh.
In conclusion, proper storage of vegetables is crucial for maintaining their quality and freshness throughout the week. By using zip bags and paper towels as recommended by Kristin Marr