Storing salad properly is crucial to prevent food waste and ensure freshness while preventing spoilage. Food policy expert Gavin Wren conducted a ‘salad race’ to identify the best storage method, highlighting the benefits of using airtight containers, leaving lids off, and incorporating kitchen roll to absorb moisture.
Onions, a versatile ingredient used in countless dishes worldwide, can maintain their quality and freshness for up to six months if stored properly. To achieve optimal storage conditions for onions, it’s essential to avoid storing them in the refrigerator, as the cold and humid environment hastens their deterioration and leads to undesirable sogginess. Instead, onions should reside in a cool, dry, and well-ventilated location, shielded from direct sunlight to prevent mold growth. Ensuring proper airflow is crucial, which can be facilitated by storing onions in a basket, paper bag, or even an old pair of tights with knotted sections to separate each onion. Avoiding storage alongside other produce is also advisable, as onions tend to absorb moisture and imparts their distinct aroma to neighboring items.
Potatoes can last longer with proper storage techniques. Keep them in a cool, dry place like a pantry cabinet, paper bag, or cardboard box. Avoid exposing potatoes to sunlight to prevent greening, wrinkling, and rotting. Temperatures below 10C and above 90-95% humidity should be avoided. While refrigeration is safe, it can alter the taste and texture of potatoes, making them sweeter and more prone to browning.
