storing fruit and veg

ti1980

I have just started trying to cook things from scratch as opposed the ready meals, takeaways and rubbish snacks like crisps I used to regularly consume.

Therefore I have found I am buying more fruit and veg. Problem is I live in a shared house and we don't have much fridge space and the freezer space is even worse. We all have completely different tastes so it wouldn't work sharing stuff (we've tried).

I have a bit more space in my cupboard where I keep my herbs, tins and jars. I think our kitchen is too warm to leave things unrefrigerated.

The veg I normally have are: courgettes, peppers, onions, tomatoes, and carrots. I don't really haver fruit but if I do then its usually grapes, sometimes kiwi and mango.

Could I store more of it in the cupboard or should it all be in the fridge?

TIA as usual for any help. :beer:

Anne_Marie_2

Think you could get away with storing onions, carrots, any other root veg in the cupboard, but would store soft veggies in a fridge, they do seem to last longer. However, as it's getting colder outside unfortunately, is there anyone you can store them outside (shed or garage)? Or even a coolbox at backdoor? Just a wee thought if you are struggling for space inside.
Another possibilty is to get one of those little chillers that either chill or heat up things. We got one a few years ago for taking in the car when we went off for weekends. Have used it every so often in the house for chilling beer when the fridge was full, although have no idea what they cost to run.

MrsB_2

how about checking with your local freecycle and seeing if you can get your hands on a fridge for your bedroom??

ti1980

There is definitely not enough room for a fridge in there. Is barely enough room for me!

Going off the subject temporarily, fab post earlier on Mrs B. I think you made a lot of people take a deep breath and relax - if only for a few minutes.

ibelongtoguy

People have been very good at giving ideas to use up veg that's on the turn - but can someone please tell me if there's a way to prolong it's life. I especially have trouble with potatoes going soft and wet and stinky (not sprouting - I could use those). And broccoli going yellow...is there anything I can put with them to prevent this happening so quickly?

MATH

I keep a lot of fruit and veg in the fridge which may be an idea if you have a fridge big enough. I also take everything out of those grotty plastic bags because they do not let things breath and encourage things to go slimy HTH

d.o.o.g

We have one of these: http://www.lakelandlimited.co.uk/product.aspx/!1902
it keeps potatoes out of the light and stops them sweating/going green/going soft for ages.

Lakeland also do a bag for bread which is great too.

twink

i line a plastic box with newspaper, down one side along the bottom and up the other side, put veg in and cover with newspaper, keep in fridge or you can buy green bags from lakeland to put veg in and they are good, would do well for broccoli, also make sure the veg you buy is the freshest you can get

Quackers

I take everything out of the bags too.

I'm luck that we have an integral garage - my veg rack is in there. The cool, dark place recommendation is so true.

I put our veg rack back in the kitchen a few weeks ago - to look nice! - wrong idea. Everything went off so much quicker so back into the garage it has gone!

Also, bananas are supposed to make other fruit and veg ripen quicker so keep ya nana's seperate

ibelongtoguy

Thanks so much you guys. I will deffo try the bags from Lakeland. It works out better to buy potatoes in bulk, but always afraid to as they go off so quick.

Thanks again

madauri

I like to keep the veg box in my fridge lined with a sheet of sponge (synthetic cheap one). My vegs last more and in much better condition, and I never have runny vegs in the fridge. Does good to me, since I tend to keep them untouched for so long!