Keep Cucumbers Crisp and FreshTo keep cucumbers fresh and crisp, I wrap them in a paper towel before putting them in the refrigerator. They keep so much longer this way. This cucumber has been in the refrigerator for 5 days.
Keeping Green BeansI love the farmer's market in our little town but it is only open on Fridays. I purchased some green beans. As I was getting ready to leave, I saw some more green beans that looked even better so I bought them too.
Pop Your Plastic LidI have a hard time getting the lids off my Tupperware! Dollar store containers are a good buy but nearly impossible to pop the lid on. I save the rubber bands that come around broccoli and other vegetables for further use. Cut the rubber band and put it under the lid and snap the lid shut.
Preserving Wine with MarblesA bottle of wine goes very slowly in my house as I generally only use it for cooking. In order to keep the wine fresh, I gently fill the opened bottle with sterilized marbles to keep the wine level as close to the cork as possible. The marbles take the space of the air that would be in the bottle, ensuring freshness.
Keep Avocados from Turning BrownTo keep your avocados from turning brown, seal them together with a cut onion. I have a little plastic container, but you can also place them in a ziplock bag. The onion will keep the avocado green longer!
Storage Box Keeps Produce Fresher LongerWhen I was at the dollar tree I picked up one of those plastic storage boxes for my crafts. When heading out of town, I threw as much of the produce as I could fit in the shoe box figuring that it's all going to spoil anyhow. That produce was still good after a month and I couldn't believe it!
Upcycled Bottle Top Bag SealerI don't always have spare containers or chip-clips handy so I make my own airtight enclosures for my goodies using empty plastic drink bottles.
Easy, Free Cheese WrappingIf you use cheese often, like I do, here is a decent tip! Cut straight through a block of unopened cheese, remove the portion you will use without demolishing package.
Keeping Vegetables and Fruit CrisperI had a problem with my cucumbers going bad faster than I thought they should but I wasn't sure why. They started smelling like they were being pickled, when saved in a container and sliced ready for my next snack.
Store Canned Beans Upside DownI'm sure you've had to deal with the beans on the bottom and juice/soup at the top. When you turn the can up to empty it, all the goodies are in the bottom. I store mine upside down so that all the beans settle in the top of the can and the soup is in the bottom.
Let Mushrooms Dry OutDo you like fresh mushrooms? So do I. When you buy more mushy-roomy-rooms than you need, what happens then? They go slimy and get dark spots. Very unappealing and disgusting. The best way to store mushrooms is in a small paper bag in the fridge.
