Keep tomatoes and lettuce fresher longer with proper storage methods.
The cold temperature in a refrigerator -- typically 40 degrees Fahrenheit -- will slow down the aging process of lettuce and tomatoes and help you preserve them for use longer. Yet, stowing these two produce items in the refrigerator in a haphazard manner will not do the trick. Instead, you will need to prepare the greens and tomatoes before storage to ensure that they last as long as possible.
Instructions
Storing Tomatoes
1. Take the tomatoes out of the packaging. Uncovering them is the key to helping them last longer.
2. Store the tomatoes in the refrigerator for approximately three days for maximum freshness. You can keep them longer for consumption, but be aware that after approximately three days, the texture of tomatoes kept in a refrigerator may become mealy.
3. Keep the tomatoes away from apples, peaches and pears because the latter will emit ethylene gas, which speeds up the ripening process of tomatoes.
Storing Lettuce
4. Wrap an iceberg lettuce head in a damp, absorbent paper towel. Place it in a plastic bag and store it in the produce drawer in the refrigerator.
5. Remove leafy lettuce from the bag and check for moisture. Pat the leaves dry with paper towels. Wring out the paper towel and wrap the lettuce head in it. Place it back in the plastic bag and store in the produce drawer.
6. Monitor the bag the lettuce is in for pooling water. If you see water gathering at the bottom of the bag, take the lettuce out and drain the water. Wet lettuce leaves will spoil faster.
Tags: approximately three, approximately three days, Keep tomatoes, lettuce head, paper towel
