In order to get the most goodness from nutrient and antioxidant-packed superfoods, it is important to know how to properly store them, so that they stay fresh and flavorful. It is highly disappointing to plan a recipe around a certain ingredient, and find that it has lost its flavor or texture due to improper storage.
The following are basic tips for storing seven well-known superfoods:
Kale
Kale needs to be kept cold so it does not wilt, therefore, it is best kept in the refrigerator. Either place it in a plastic bag and squeeze out the air, or, to reduce your plastic use, chop the leaves and store in a glass mason jar. If you are keeping it in a jar, pack up to the top so there is as little air in the jar as possible. Do not wash your kale before placing it in the fridge.
Bananas
Bananas should be stored at room temperature until they are ripe. They will ripen faster if they are placed near other fruits. Or, to speed up the ripening process, place in a brown paper bag, with other fruit if desired. If your bananas are ripe and on the verge of over-ripeness, you can keep them in the fridge, or even peel them, and optionally cut them up, and freeze them in a freezer safe storage bag.
Even if the peel of a banana starts getting quite dark (even black) on the outside, the fruit is typically still good to eat for several days.
Garlic
Do not keep your garlic in the fridge; it greatly compromises the texture and encourages mold. Keep garlic bulbs in your pantry or cupboard.
Onions
Like garlic, onions should not be kept in the fridge. Keep them in your cupboard or pantry, making sure not to place them near potatoes, as this will make them rot more quickly.
Mushrooms (button)
For common white or brown button mushrooms, do not store them in their original package. When you get them home, place them in single layers in a glass bowl, with a clean, damp cloth between layers, and a clean, damp cloth on top. Place the bowl in the refrigerator.
Tomatoes
Keep tomatoes out on the counter, in a sunny spot if possible, to ripen them. If they are becoming mushy and on the verge of becoming too ripe, you can place them in the fridge to keep them for a couple more days.
Avocados
Avocados should be kept on the counter or in your pantry at room temperature to ripen. They, like tomatoes, can also be placed in the fridge if they are becoming too ripe. To store avocado chunks or leftover guacamole in your fridge, add a squeeze of fresh lemon or lime juice on top, to prevent browning.
-The Alternative Daily
Sources:
https://www.thealternativedaily.com/13-foods-dont-keep-fridge
http://www.goodfood.com.au/good-food/cook/what-is-the-best-way-to-store-bananas-20140405-364wl.html
http://www.whfoods.com/genpage.php?tname=foodspice&dbid=7
http://www.whfoods.com/genpage.php?tname=foodspice&dbid=38
http://www.whfoods.com/genpage.php?tname=foodspice&dbid=97
