7 Food Storage Tips to Help Retain Nutrients

Fresh fruits and veggies are packed with phytonutrients (organic components of plants thought to promote human health) and vitamins. But fruits and veggies can quickly lose these valuable nutrients if they are not stored properly. It's the perfect time to take stock of your fruit and veggie larder.

Did you know that in some instances, frozen veggies may actually have more vitamins than fresh veggies that have been sitting on a store shelf for a week or more. How long have your perishables been sitting? Next time you head out for groceries, consider your local farmer's market first. Fruits and veggies at the farmer's market are often harvested and sold the same day.

Here are 7 food storage tips to help retain nutrients in your fruits and veggies:

1. Keep veggies covered and chilled.
2. Don’t soak your veggies.
3. Don’t keep food hot for too long, as vitamin levels will start to fall within a few minutes.
4. Store your fruits and veggies at the bottom of the refrigerator or in a cool, dark cupboard.
5. Store bananas away from other fruits, which will help keep them from ripening too fast.
6. Don't sore bananas in the refrigerator.
7. Refrigerate prepared juices and store them for no more than 2 or 3 days.
   

Do you have food storage tips to share? We'd love to hear from you. Post your best tips as a comment and on the ACHSedu wall here http://www.facebook.com/ACHSedu.