I am a little obsessed with chatGPT lately, so I had to ask it this
"are there some sort of rules what should and should not be kept in the refrigerator together. Like I heard Tomatoes are making other vegies rotten much faster?"
and got more then expected answer 👍
Yes, there certain rules and recommendations for storing fruits and vegetables in the refrigerator to ensure they remain fresh for as long as possible. Some fruits and vegetables release ethylene gas, which can cause other produce to ripen and spoil more quickly. Tomatoes are one such example, as they release ethylene gas, which can affect other fruits and vegetables."
Here are some general guidelines for storing produce in your refrigerator:
Separate ethylene-producing fruits and vegetables from ethylene-sensitive ones.
Ethylene-producers include:
* Apples
* Apricots
* Avocados
* Bananas
* Cantaloupes
* Figs
* Kiwis
* Mangoes
* Papayas
* Peaches
* Pears
* Plums
* Tomatoes
Ethylene-sensitive produce includes:
* Asparagus
* Broccoli
* Brussels sprouts
* Cabbage
* Carrots
* Cauliflower
* Cucumbers
* Eggplant
* Green beans
* Leafy greens
* Lettuce
* Parsley
* Peppers
* Potatoes
* Squash
* Sweet potatoes
* Watermelon
1. Store fruits and vegetables separately. Mixing them can lead to quicker spoilage, as fruits tend to release more ethylene gas than vegetables.
2. Use the crisper drawers in your refrigerator for storing fruits and vegetables. These drawers are designed to maintain a higher humidity level, which helps keep produce fresh.
3. Do not wash fruits and vegetables before storing them, as moisture can encourage mold growth. Wash them just before eating or using in recipes.
4. Keep produce in perforated plastic bags or containers with ventilation holes to allow air circulation and prevent moisture build-up.
5. Some fruits and vegetables are better stored at room temperature. Examples include bananas, tomatoes, avocados, and onions.
By following these guidelines, you can help prevent spoilage and extend the shelf life of your fruits and vegetables.