Genius House Hacks · a GopherCentral & PulseTV publication
Food & Kitchen · Oct 24, 2023 edition

Five Tips to Keep Groceries Fresh Longer

From the Genius House Hacks archive.

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Food that spoils before it gets used adds up fast, so these simple tips can help groceries last longer and keep more money in your pocket.

Softer Bread with a Celery Stick

Stick a celery stick in the bread bag and seal it tight. Bread goes stale as it loses moisture, and the celery releases moisture the bread can reabsorb, with little to no flavor transfer since celery has such a mild odor.

Extend Milk's Life with Baking Soda

Milk sours as bacteria produce lactic acid. A pinch of baking soda added when the container is first opened, shaken in to dissolve, can neutralize some of that acid and keep milk fresh for about an extra week.

Crisp Wilted Lettuce with an Ice Bath

Soak wilted lettuce in ice water for 15 minutes to help the leaves reabsorb water and perk back up.

Keep Berries Sweet with Apple Cider Vinegar

Store berries in a solution of four parts water to one part apple cider vinegar, which helps neutralize mold and can add up to an extra week of freshness. Let them dry fully before refrigerating.

Prevent Moldy Cheese with Wax Paper

Cheese needs to breathe, and moisture trapped between plastic wrap and cheese can cause mold. Removing the original wrapper and switching to wax paper lets air in while pulling excess moisture away, helping cheese stay fresh longer.

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