Blog: Every Bite Counts

Summertime means an abundance of fresh produce, but sunnier days and warmer temperatures in the home can quickly ripen produce. Make summer storage shifts now to ensure none of your food spoils this season. Master these food-saving practices to keep your foods fresh for longer.

Keep countertops free of fruit bowls! Most fruit, including tomatoes, are best stored in the fridge to stay fresher for longer – except for bananas and pineapples.  If you need to leave your fruit out to ripen, do so in smaller amounts and let the rest stay safely in your fridge. Ensuring countertop fruit is covered will also keep fruit flies away.  And for those fruits that are well past their prime, freeze them for smoothies and desserts.

Keeping your fridge door closed is important at all times of the year, but especially in summer. Just having your fridge temperature rise by one or two degrees can significantly increase the chances of food spoiling. Set your fridge to 4 degrees Celsius or lower, and check out our fridge guide to familiarize yourself with the best ways to store the food in your fridge.  Citrus fruits, grapes, and berries should all be stored in the fridge. Resist washing berries and grapes until ready to eat, so that they stay fresher for longer.

Heat is only a friend to food when cooking. If possible, move pantry items to a cooler part of the house, and away from direct sunlight. Exotic fruits like pineapple and passion fruit are best stored in a cool, dry cupboard or pantry away from direct sunlight. Once opened, seal and store in the refrigerator. Potatoes and onions might have been okay in your pantry during the winter months, but with increasing temperatures you will likely need to find a cooler cold storage room. If your kitchen is on the top floor of your house, consider storing pantry items in the basement or garage.