A few small changes to how you store fruits and vegetables can have big benefits for the planet – and your wallet.From herbs that wilt in days to berries that seem to mold even faster, what we toss in the trash often has less to do with what we buy than how we store it at home.A lot of that spoilage happens because of moisture and temperature.From a scientific perspective, produce doesn’t just go bad — it breaks down under specific conditions. Plants, like humans, carry natural microflora, a diverse community of microscopic organisms.AdvertisementAdvertisement“This could be bacteria, yeast, molds, things like that,” said Amanda Deering, associate professor of produce food safety at Purdue University.Here are a few small changes that can extend the life of food by days.Wait to washWashing produce before storing it can leave water that bacteria, yeast and mold need to grow.Experts recommend waiting to wash fruits and vegetables until just before eating, and keeping them as dry as possible in the fridge meanwhile. Adding a paper towel can absorb dampness in containers of berries or leafy greens.Food experts also warn that cutting up fruits and vegetables before storing them can reduce their shelf life.AdvertisementAdvertisement“The big one is washing it and cutting it before storing it. This, of course, can leave a lot of excess moisture behind,” said Abbey Sharp, registered dietitian. “It speeds up spoilage because you’re cutting into those cell walls.”Keep most produce cold and give it spaceAt room temperature, microscopic organisms grow faster. Keeping food in the fridge can slow that process, Deering said, but how you pack your fridge also matters. Overcrowding it can block airflow and make it harder to keep temperatures consistent.Different foods have different needs.Herbs last longer when treated like flowers, trimmed and placed in water, while harder herbs can be wrapped in a damp towel and stored in the fridge. Root vegetables like carrots can be kept in water to maintain crispiness. Separating leafy tops can extend the shelf life of carrots and beets.Keep some kitchen staples apartWhere you store produce can affect both how it tastes and how it lasts. The texture and flavor of tomatoes, for example, are best preserved at room temperature, e …
