Keeping your vegetables fresh for as long as possible can be a challenge. But with finances feeling more and more stretched for many of us getting an extra few days out of our fresh veg could make a big difference.
PlumbNation, the bathroom and kitchen experts, say there is a simple yet affordable trick that can make a significant difference. For around 99p, you can extend the freshness of your veggies by up to twice as long using ordinary kitchen sponges as a way of keeping excess moisture out of the produce.
A spokesperson from PlumbNation commented on the findings: “The sponge trick is a smart, budget-friendly solution to keep your veggies fresh, but there’s more to consider when saving both your food and your wallet. It’s all about creating the right environment in your fridge that slows down spoilage without much effort. The less time you spend throwing out wilted produce, the more money you’ll save on your weekly shop.
“For even better results, try using airtight containers for cut vegetables. They help lock in moisture and prevent them from drying out.
“In addition, make sure to store herbs like parsley or coriander upright in a glass of water, loosely covered with a plastic bag. This method keeps them fresh for days longer and avoids waste.
“And when you’ve got produce that’s on its last legs, toss it into a quick stir-fry or soup to get the most out of it before it spoils. These small changes can make a big difference to both your health and your grocery bill.”
Here’s how the 99p sponge trick works:
- Purchase New, Clean Sponges: Buy a pack of inexpensive, absorbent kitchen sponges. It’s essential to use new sponges to ensure they’re free from bacteria or food residues.
- Prepare the Vegetable Drawer: Remove all items from your fridge’s vegetable drawer (also known as the crisper) and give it a good clean. Dry it thoroughly to start with a fresh, moisture-free environment.
- Place Sponges in the Drawer: Lay a few dry sponges flat at the bottom of the drawer. Depending on the size of your drawer, you might need 2-4 sponges to cover the area adequately.
- Add Your Vegetables: Place your fresh vegetables on top of the sponges as you normally would. The sponges will sit underneath, ready to absorb excess moisture.
- Regular Maintenance: Check Moisture Levels: Every few days, check the sponges to see how much moisture they’ve absorbed.
- Clean or Replace Sponges: When the sponges become damp, remove them, wring them out, and if necessary, wash them with warm soapy water. Ensure they are completely dry before placing them back. Over time, sponges can harbour bacteria, so consider replacing them periodically.
Why this method is effective
There are two reasons for the success of this method.
- Moisture Absorption: Vegetables release moisture over time. Excess moisture in the crisper drawer creates a damp environment that accelerates spoilage by promoting mould and bacterial growth. Sponges act like mini dehumidifiers, soaking up this unwanted moisture.
- Maintains Optimal Humidity: While some humidity is beneficial for keeping vegetables crisp, too much can be detrimental. Sponges help balance the humidity levels, providing a better environment for your produce.
Other tips to help extend the life of your vegetables
- Line with Paper Towels: If you prefer not to use sponges, lining the bottom of the drawer with paper towels can also absorb excess moisture. Replace them when they become damp.
- Separate Fruits and Vegetables: Some fruits emit ethylene gas, a natural plant hormone that promotes ripening. Ethylene-sensitive vegetables can spoil faster when stored with ethylene-producing fruits like apples, bananas, and tomatoes. Keep them in separate drawers if possible.
- Proper Storage Containers: Use breathable bags or containers designed for produce. These allow for air circulation while retaining necessary humidity.
- Temperature Settings: Ensure your refrigerator is set between 1°C and 4°C. This temperature range slows down the metabolic processes of fruits and vegetables, keeping them fresh for longer.
- Avoid Washing Before Storage: Washing produce before storing can add excess moisture. Instead, wash vegetables just before you’re ready to use them.
- Trim Greens from Root Vegetables: If storing vegetables like carrots or beets with leafy tops, remove the greens before storage. The greens can draw moisture away from the roots, causing them to wilt faster.
Benefits of Using the Sponge Trick
- Cost-Effective: Sponges are inexpensive and reusable, making this method budget-friendly.
- Reduces Food Waste: Keeping vegetables fresh longer means less spoilage and waste.
- Convenient: Easy to implement without requiring significant changes to your storage habits.