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Keeping a bounty of fresh produce in pristine condition in the fridge is “Barefoot Contessa” propaganda that few of us can actually do. Between working, caretaking and just trying to get everyone out the door in one piece every day, many of us simply forget about the box of spring mix, those once-fresh berries and the orange bell peppers we bought because we swore we were going to try that new TikTok recipe.
If your fridge often becomes a produce graveyard, you’re likely in need of some tips and tricks to make your kitchen storage more efficient and prolong the life of your fruits and veggies. While we can’t guarantee you’ll start cooking like Ina Garten, every item listed has a ton of 5-star reviews speaking to its ability to keep produce fresh and your cooking space organized.
Rece Hogerheide, executive chef at the Daxton Hotel in Birmingham, Michigan, previously told HuffPost that produce is often happier (and will live longer) when taken out of the plastic bag or carton you bought it in. “Produce is the biggest thing to get out of the container,” Hogerheide said. “Produce bags trap condensation and ethylene, the gas released during ripening. These make things rot.”
Whether you struggle with remembering what groceries you have in the fridge or simply just need better containers, we’ve rounded up affordable kitchen gadgets to help you get the most from your fruits and veggies.
HuffPost receives a share from retailers on this page. Every item is independently selected by the HuffPost Shopping team. Prices and availability are subject to change.
Give your leafy greens space
Promising review: “I was having the hardest time keeping my veggies fresh for longer than a few days. Once I got this it kept my asparagus fresh and edible longer than a week. Definitely a must have!” — Tanya
Embrace air-tight clear, stackable containers
Promising review: “I bought this for my daughter. She’s able to store any food items without any stains or and residue left behind. The airtight food storage are just an extra plus as not only do you snap and push down but they also have clamps to keep food more fresh and also prevent rancidity. These make her so much more brilliant ideas for organizing kitchen cabinets and make her fridge look great when putting her fruit and meals inside for the kids to be able to grab with no issues and it’s easy for the kids to microwave meals.” — Fancy
Prep and reheat veggies in a jiffy
Promising review: “Love how food stay fresher in these containers. Prep is also easier.” — Kathie K.
Prep your groceries and have them ready to cook or freeze
Promising review: “Easy to open keeps food fresh and visible. They freeze real well, you can extract air and seal them up with a squeeze. I am so pleased with this entire product line I have them all. Easy to use, and clean, dishwasher safe is right.” — Melissa M
Keep your entire fridge organized
Promising review: “I absolutely LOVE this product!! I don’t know how I ever lived without them! My favorite thing has to be that my family could actually see EVERYTHING we had in the fridge and even chose to eat the healthier snacks versus attacking the pantry! I believe it’s easier for them as it’s much more convenient! Filled the strawberries up and they were gone in a day! Usually I end up tossing out the whole container. Love love love! And will be ordering more! I’m so obsessed I want to redo everyone’s fridge that I know! Sturdy acrylic, perfect variation of sizes. And cutest egg holder ever! Don’t question it, just click add to cart! It’s a MUST!!!” — A Cota
Keep your herbs fresh, too
Promising review: “I really like this product and have bought two more for Christmas presents this year. The herbs stay fresh for weeks!” — Kindle customer
Swap plastic wrap for these reusable seals
Promising review: “These work great for keeping vegetables fresh in the fridge.” — Craig Maher
Be diligent with meal planing and grocery lists
Promising review: “This is perfect if you struggle with food going bad or not getting used in time it is perfect for organizing!” — Claudia Chaparro
Keep a running list of what’s in the fridge
Promising review: “I really love this little whiteboard. I put it on my fridge and it adhers perfect with a good strong hold. I use it to write out our weekly meals, keep track of groceries we need to restock and things I need to get done for the week. It’s made me more organized without a bunch of random pads of paper. I didn’t need markers but I like the 3 these came with which stick on the fridge as well. Also comes with an eraser. Didn’t know I’d be so excited about a silly little whiteboard.” — LLV
Let your produce rest in a cabinet hammock
Promising review: “This is so cute and super convenient for keeping fruit off the counter in our small apartment kitchen! Highly recommend!” — Amazoniac
Have a centerpiece-worthy fruit bowl
Promising review: “This was just what we need for safely keeping our fruits on the counter. It is constructed to allow just enough airflow to keep the fruit from going bad too quickly, and it is slim enough to easily put away in a cabinet when unused. Use this and get a separate hook for your bananas for a great combination.” — Glenn J Mentel
Turn sad produce into a yummy smoothie
Promising review: “Absolutely love this blender. Bought it to make smoothies and shakes so that I can eat more fruits/veggies. I use it every day using either fresh or frozen fruits. It’s powerful enough to blend frozen fruits quickly. Would recommend this for anyone changing their diets or using it for their existing work out recipes.” — Jaime Valdez
Or squeeze out the good stuff with a juicer
Promising review: “This juicer is amazing, fits perfect on a counter top or wherever. Easy clean up. Very powerful makes a full 64 ozs of juice just add whatever fruit or vegetables you are juicing for the day. Love it recommend it for first time juicers starting out like myself!” — Consumer Shopper
Consider pickling or preserving
Promising review: “Perfect for what I was looking for. Keeps our produce fresher longer and is dishwasher safe.” — Mike
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