Food waste is a significant problem, with UK households throwing away an average of 1.96kg of food per day, equivalent to eight meals a week. Fruit and vegetables, especially potatoes, top the list of wasted items. A staggering 4,400,000 potatoes are thrown away daily, with milk, carrots, ham, and tomatoes following close behind. To combat this, Vlatka Lake, a storage expert at Space Station, has shared her insights on how to extend the life of your autumn vegetables, specifically potatoes, broccoli, spinach, and onions.
Potatoes, whether from your garden or the supermarket, need careful storage to prevent sprouting, softening, or even worse, mold. Vlatka emphasizes the importance of keeping them in a cool, dry, and dark place. Exposure to light and moisture can quickly lead to spoilage. She also recommends avoiding airtight containers for potatoes, opting instead for open storage to ensure good ventilation.
This storage advice differs from the traditional wisdom of keeping potatoes in the fridge. However, recent research by the UK Food Standards Agency has updated guidance, deeming refrigeration safe. While this is good news for potato lovers, it’s crucial to remember that moisture is still the enemy. Avoid washing potatoes before refrigeration and instead, brush off any dirt with a dry cloth.
For other autumn vegetables, Vlatka recommends employing paper towels to absorb excess moisture. Spinach and kale should be washed, wrapped in a paper towel, and then stored to prevent premature molding. However, she warns against storing these leafy greens near ethylene-producing vegetables like broccoli and sprouts, as this gas can accelerate decay.
Broccoli, which both emits and is sensitive to ethylene, benefits from being wrapped tightly in foil and stored in the fridge. This method can keep broccoli fresh for up to a month. Lastly, onions, garlic, and shallots thrive in cool, dry, well-ventilated areas away from direct sunlight. Moisture, light, and poor air circulation can lead to mold and sprouting.
By following these expert tips, you can keep your autumn vegetables fresh, reduce food waste, and enjoy the bounty of the season for longer.
