Storing food properly can make a big difference in how long it stays fresh, but not all storage methods work equally well. You might assume plastic containers are convenient, but some foods actually last longer when you avoid using plastic altogether.
Using the right storage method helps you keep your food fresh and reduces waste. This article will guide you through five common foods that benefit from skipping plastic containers and explain why alternative storage options make a difference.
Tomatoes – storing in plastic speeds up spoilage due to trapped moisture
When you store tomatoes in plastic, moisture gets trapped inside. This creates a humid space that encourages mold and rot.
Plus, plastic stops air from circulating around the tomatoes. That lack of airflow makes them spoil faster than if they were stored openly.
If you want your tomatoes to last longer, skip the plastic bags. Instead, keep them at room temperature and away from moisture to slow down the decay.
Avocados – plastic traps ethylene gas, causing quicker overripening
If you store avocados in plastic bags or containers, you’re trapping the ethylene gas they naturally give off. This gas speeds up ripening, but it can also make avocados go overripe faster than you might want.
Keeping avocados in breathable materials like paper bags or loose on the counter lets the gas escape. That slows down the ripening process and helps your avocados last longer.
So, if you want to avoid mushy, brown avocados, steer clear of plastic storage. It might seem convenient, but it often leads to quicker spoilage.
Bread – plastic storage leads to mold fast, try cloth bags instead
If you store bread in plastic, you’re trapping moisture inside. This causes the crust to get soggy and creates a perfect environment for mold to grow quickly.
Using a cloth bag is a better option because it lets your bread breathe without drying it out too fast. Cloth keeps the right balance of moisture and air circulation.
For short-term storage, paper or cloth bags work well. If you need to keep bread longer, freezing slices is your best bet. Avoid the fridge since it makes bread go stale faster.
Mushrooms – they sweat in plastic and get slimy quickly
If you store mushrooms in plastic, they trap moisture and start to sweat. This makes them soggy and slimy fast.
To keep them fresh longer, switch to storing mushrooms in a paper bag. Paper absorbs excess moisture and lets air circulate.
Avoid washing mushrooms before storing. Wash them only right before you cook. This way, they won’t get soggy from extra water.
Keeping mushrooms away from strong-smelling foods also helps since mushrooms absorb odors easily.
Onions – need ventilation, so keep out of plastic bags
When you store onions, airflow is key. Plastic bags trap moisture, which can make onions spoil faster or even grow mold.
Instead, keep your onions in something that lets air circulate, like mesh bags or a basket. This helps them stay dry and fresh longer.
Avoid stuffing them into sealed containers or plastic sacks. Just find a cool, dry spot away from direct sunlight, and your onions will last better without plastic.
