Storing food in the refrigerator can prevent spoilage and keep vegetables fresh, but it's not as simple as putting all your vegetables in the refrigerator. There are specific methods to follow for storing vegetables in the fridge.
1. Don't store cold-sensitive vegetables in the refrigerator
Some vegetables are not tolerant of cold temperatures. If stored in the refrigerator for a long time, they are easily damaged by the low temperature, especially vegetables that mature in the summer, which are more susceptible to the effects of cold. Therefore, it's best to store cold-sensitive vegetables at room temperature.
2. Don't set the refrigerator temperature too low
When storing vegetables, the refrigerator temperature is not the lower the better. It's very important to adjust the refrigerator temperature correctly. Generally, the ideal temperature for storing vegetables in the refrigerator is 5-7°C. Also, don't place vegetables in the corners of the fridge. It's best to put them where you can see them as soon as you open the door to ensure you eat them while they are still fresh and avoid keeping them for too long.
3. It's better to wash vegetables before putting them in the refrigerator
Japanese professional nutritionist and chef Mayuki Matsumura believes it's better to wash vegetables before putting them in the refrigerator. This is because vegetables often have dirt that hides parasite eggs and other bacteria. Putting vegetables directly into the fridge after buying them is unhygienic. It's best to wash them, wrap them in a plastic bag, and then put them in the fridge, which can also save time on cooking next time. However, it's important to drain the vegetables well after washing before placing them in the fridge to prevent excess moisture from causing them to rot.
4. Keep vegetables moist
The refrigerator is a relatively dry environment. If vegetables are placed directly in the fridge, they will lose a lot of moisture and their freshness. Therefore, when putting vegetables, especially leafy greens, in the refrigerator, it's important to maintain their moisture. Specifically, you should place vegetables in a plastic bag before putting them in the fridge. Vegetables bought from the supermarket often have one end open; you should tie this end with another bag before placing them in the fridge to prevent the leafy greens from losing moisture.