It's easy to toss fruits and veggies in the fridge. But that could be why some of your fresh produce goes bad fast. Each needs special treatment, and some shouldn't be stored together. Here are refrigeration pro tips for longer freshness in your kitchen at Olympus Apartments.

Cucumbers

No cucumber tastes better than a firm green one. You probably already know you must keep this vegetable in a plastic bag in the fridge. But here's the secret: wrap the cucumber in a paper towel first. Dampness occurs when the cucumber is refrigerated, making it soggy. The paper towel absorbs the moisture.

Also, please don't put them in the same bag as other fruits and veggies, like tomatoes. They produce ethylene gas, which makes cucumbers go bad.

Green Leafy Veggies

A zip-lock bag or tight-lid container is essential for bright and fresh greens in the fridge.

However, moisture is the enemy of greens' freshness. So, to minimize dampness, avoid pre-washing them. If you do, wrap them in a paper towel afterward to absorb the moisture.

For the times when you have excess groceries or a bounty harvest, freezing will do the trick. However, you need one more step first. That's where the magic wand that is blanching comes in. Put the veggies in boiling water for two minutes, then in iced water for the same period, then freeze immediately. Blanching deactivates enzymes that interfere with color and flavor. So, your greens will stay lively, crispy, and nutritious until you're ready to cook them.

Apples

Don't leave apples out on the counter for long. They'll start to soften after a few days. Your best bet is in the fridge, in a zip-lock bag.

Secondly, don't include other fruits in the bag. Apples also release ethylene gas, which could harm other produce.

Try these recipes once you're ready to cook. There are even more recipes and vibrant lifestyle tips from the Olympus team. Please contact us to learn more.